If you want to feel inspired over the holidays, volunteer! Giving back is easy and it is rewarding. This is a crazy time for most families and with shopping, decorating the house and getting ready for the holiday break, it may seem overwhelming to add one more thing to your to do list. Taking your children out to volunteer though will make the whole season brighter and bring the true meaning of the holidays into your home.

The trick is finding something that you are passionate about because then it feels effortless. Let your passion guide you in deciding where to volunteer. Find an organization that matches your passion and interests. If you find something you love, you will more than likely want to continue. Volunteering does not have to require a lot of time so find something that works with your schedule. Many organizations offer ongoing opportunities and some have projects you can even bring home and work on as a family. Some projects are as simple as making cards for children in the hospital or stuffing envelopes for a mailing.

Volunteering seems to be on more people's minds during the holiday season but I would just encourage you to remember that there are still 10 more months of the year that local organizations are trying to continue to provide services and support. If you can aim for once a month or once a quarter to get out and do something big or small as a family, you can make a difference and you will be setting a wonderful example for your children and teaching them the joy of giving.

It takes each one of us doing what is within our financial means and within our schedule to commit to giving back. It is not the amount of money you donate or the time that you give because if that were the case, most of us would be sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect moment when our bank accounts are flush and our calendars are clear.