The holidays are known for being a time of giving and celebration. As the holiday season begins, many people feel the need to share these good feelings with others by doing good deeds such as donating to homeless shelters, or volunteering at soup kitchens. While it is considerate to be kind during the holidays, this should not be used as an excuse to not care or be uninvolved in the months leading up to the end of the year.

During the holiday season, it has become a common practice for many people to suddenly pay attention to year-round problems such as homelessness, hunger, poverty and illness. Although it is important to help those in need on holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, it is just as important to help them all year round. According to a study done by the National Law Center on Homelessness, approximately three and a half million people in the U.S. are likely to experience homelessness in a given year. The holidays are not the only time that these people need help, but a 2012 survey conducted by GuideStar reported that 50.5% percent of organizations surveyed said they received the majority of their contributions between October and December. Because donations roll in during these times, by March organizations may be feeling the pinch. This is why it is important to stay aware and keep donating throughout the year, so that people in need consistently have their needs fulfilled instead of just for a brief three month span.

Helping those in need is not the only form of giving back that has become a tradition for people during the holidays. Just one google search comes up with millions of articles telling their readers how to “be kind for the holidays”, many listing volunteering, cleaning up neighbor’s lawns, even just a simple smile at a stranger. Something as easy a smile does not come with a price tag, but is still worth more than any Christmas present that can be bought at a store. Just because many people feel more aware of their emotions during the holiday season does not mean that smiling at a stranger or helping a neighbor is any less appreciated in other months.

Don’t wait until the last minute to be thankful for what you have. Whether it is volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating money to charity, or just simply telling a family member that you love them, giving back year-round means just as much (or more) than giving back during the holidays.