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The holiday season is upon us! This time of year offers so much as does every moment really. For many people, this can be a festive time spent with family and friends. For some, however, this can be a time of heightened loneliness. And for most of us, what is intended as a time of joy and celebration can quickly become one of overwhelm and stress. We may go between thoughts of too much (to do, to cook, too many people in this house!) or too little (money, time, patience, no one in the house). We may find ourselves riding one wave of emotion after another. Excitement gives way to exhaustion...

'Tis the season for giving! During the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in the gifts, decorations and parties. It's important to take a step back from all the celebrations to see what you can do to give back. We've come up with 31 ways you can give back to your community - one for each day of December.

1. Help a neighbor with their holiday decorations.
2. Volunteer at your child's school.
3. Sponsor a less fortunate child and give them a gift.
4. Donate a gift from UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center gift registry.
5. Put your change in a jar and choose a place to donate it at the end of the month.
6. Buy...