Christmas is the season of giving and spreading good cheer. People help people, whether they are within your own family or a stranger who could just use a little extra help during the holidays.

For a month or so, businesses and individuals take time out of their hectic schedules to donate their time, money and other goods to charities and people in need.

Families in need can receive items, which some may take for granted, for themselves and their children to make their Christmas more memorable.

Even around the Christmas season, there are, of course, exceptions to the good nature idea. One being the chaos known as “Black Friday” or the day after Thanksgiving.

Mobs of people rush into stores, now even before the sun rises, to battle for goods they would like, and probably not need, which are on sale.

The only thanks being given here is from those who leaped over two people, fighting for a sweater, to grab the last PlayStation 3 on the shelves, and most likely employees who weren’t trampled to death like the 34-year-old New York Wal-Mart employee.

However, it seems as if there is a drop off in good nature once the holiday season is over. Volunteer work continues, but the mindset of giving back and helping others is never quite as strong as it is around Christmas.

It is great that the Christmas spirit inspires so many people to get involved with charities in their communities, but there is no reason why these contributions cannot be made year-round.

People do not just start needing food, clothes and shelter in November and are fine again in February, although the winter months can be the most difficult.

Rather, if everyone took a part of the volunteer time they sacrifice during the holidays and apply it to the spring and summer months, it could be surprising what a difference could be made in many people’s lives.