According to the calendar, there is less than a month until Christmas.

If we blink twice, Christmas Day will be here and another year will have come and gone.

Each day moves along at a rapid pace. Our time on earth is so brief we really owe it not only to ourselves but to others to make each day the best it can be, to do something to make the days of others better.

Even if we spend long hours each day at our job, it is still possible to make a difference to others around us.

We have many opportunities to make another person’s day a little brighter and warm their heart and soul.

Many churches in our area have food pantries and even have special days set aside to help make sure the folks who are in need have a holiday meal of their own.

Share your bounty by supporting these events. Many local food pantry shelves begin to get bare at this time of the year. Pick up an extra can or two when you are at the grocery store and help fill the shelves. If each person does a small amount, the return will be great and many can be helped.

As we move toward Christmas, there are many who are unable to provide gifts for their children. No child in our area should be left without a gift to open on Christmas morning. Many churches, charities, and civic organizations have already begun the difficult task of identifying those families who can use their assistance.

As we string our lights, cook the holiday food, enjoy the Christmas cheer, and most importantly, celebrate the birth of our Savior, we cannot overlook and forget others.

Even if you find yourself short of cash and funds this season, a visit to a local nursing home with small gifts of fruit and candy will make a huge difference in the life of someone without any family or visitors.

A simple act of kindness, a smile to a stranger, buying an extra can of food to share, giving thanks for our blessings, are just a few of the ways we can warm the hearts of our neighbors. Showing love to others will help to ease the burden that many have in their lives.

Many people do not look forward to this special season of the year. We all who are able can make a special effort to those who are hurting for various reasons, so they too can experience the joy and wonder of Christmas.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.