Every year, the holiday season brings back very comfortable and familiar feelings from my childhood. I have many fond memories of the holidays, including a very important lesson instilled in me throughout the years: the importance of giving. During the holiday season, we may become a little bit more aware of how blessed some of us are, while many people out there are not as fortunate. As I have grown up, I have participated in many efforts to give back during this time of year. The notion that we have the ability to impact the lives of others is part of the magic of the season. Here are some ways you can give back during the holidays:

Take part in a Thanksgiving food drive or meal preparation. Many communities hold food drives or meal preparations at local churches or shelters. You can donate canned goods, help make meals and deliver meals to people who cannot afford a Thanksgiving dinner. The families that benefit from these very generous donations, are so appreciative and blown away by the generosity of their communities.

Donate to a toy drive. Schools, religious centers and other local organizations will hold toy drives for less fortunate families and their children. This is an easy way to donate something that will immensely impact the holidays for a child who may have never received a Christmas present before. It can something as little as a stuffed animal or toy car.

Sing at a nursing home. As Buddy the Elf would say: "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." Some individuals who live in nursing homes may not have any family or grandchildren to spend the holidays with. Visiting these centers and singing Christmas carols will make their day so much brighter.

Buy necessities for families in need. Some local shelters will send out lists of basic necessities and toiletries families with children may be in need of. Buying a few extra toothbrushes, shampoo bottles or diapers can be such an easy way to give back to families who really need it.