I had such a great time creating my business Christmas card this year! I used Picnik.com to do some fun photo manipulation, and the result is a banner I love. You can see the finished product here: http://bit.ly/sSA2zb.

I not only wanted to express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve, but to also share some ideas for helping people in your community. While some folks have had a good year, 2011 has been difficult for many others. Sometimes it's the little touches that make such a difference in other's lives.

If you're looking for a way to bring a little life into someone's life this year, here are a few thoughts to get you started:

• Pick up a big handful of travel sized lotions, hand sanitizer or lip balm. Pop them in a cheery gift bag and stop by your local senior center or retirement home to drop them off.
• Don't have children at home? Your local child care center can always use a few extra boxes of tissues or rolls of paper towels. (Feeling generous? Bring a case!)
• Many local high schools offer season passes to a wide range of sporting events and activities. Buy a pair for someone you know would love to attend.
• Did you upgrade to a tablet or e-reader recently? Bundle up your books on CD and drop them off at a rehabilitation or dialysis center.
• Many local churches have "angel" or "giving" trees. Pick up a tag or two and buy some gits for the child or teen listed (gifts always needed for teens). I saw a giving tree at a local McDonald's recently!
• We often give small gifts to teachers - maybe this year the counselor, secretary or front office assistant deserves a coffee card "thank you" for their help.
• A time honored tradition when I was little? Taking homemade Christmas cookies to the local fire station on Christmas Day. It's a great time to say "thanks" for their dedication.

Blessings to you and yours this holiday season ~