Many people spend the month trying to make amends for things they’ve done in the past year, along with worrying what gifts to give to whom and what they might receive in their holiday haul.

So much of the modern holiday season has been turned into gift giving and being disappointed when an expected or item high on the wish list is missed.

But this truly isn’t what the holiday season is about — and I’m not talking about the traditional religious meanings each holiday brings to the table. I put a lot more value into spending time with family and friends and doing deeds that normally are passed by on a day-to-day basis than the religious ideals.

It’s easy to start with the basics. Some students will be unable to return to their family and homes for the holidays. Extend an invitation to those unfortunate few. It’ll mean a great deal to them knowing someone wants their company.

If you’re like me, you aren’t close with relatives outside your immediate family members. Most likely I won’t get a chance to, but do the best you can to help the family tree stay rooted and have extended conversations with your relatives. In my case, I’m okay with spending it with my sisters’ families, brother and his wife and my parents.

Going home offers a great chance to further relationships you have or rekindle ones you’ve lost. Friends from high school would love to share their stories of college conquests. Family members haven’t seen you in possibly months and have little time to make up for it. Spend time with those you care about and allow those who care about you to do the same.

Most college students are on tight budgets and won’t be able to afford extravagant presents. If you can, great! If not, don’t sweat it, just show your loved ones they mean a lot to you, whether it be by giving a small token no one else would know to get them, something you made or purely your time.

Be a good person this December. You don’t really have to volunteer at a soup kitchen or give gifts to kids. Though doing these things would be excellent, students don’t always have the time or money to sacrifice. Instead, willingly help your mom in the kitchen without being asked, with a smile on your face. And it doesn’t take much to pull some change out of your pockets for the bell-ringing Santas or to merely say Happy Holidays or compliment to a stranger who looks a little sad. It’ll brighten their day more than you know.

Think about all the times you walk around campus and see someone fall off their bike, drop a pile of papers or simply struggle with an activity and just walk on by, pretending not to see anything. This month, stop and lend a helping hand.

Too many times are opportunities for good deeds wasted. I’m guilty of this just as much as the next person. If a friend is in need, I’m there, willing to do most anything. However, I’m often afraid to approach and help a stranger. But why? They will appreciate the assistance and, who knows, you might be rewarded.

This world can be a cruel place. Often people’s nature is to be mean and ill-spirited. If you are one of those people, stop it. If you see one of those people, stop them. It only will take a minute of your time.

With holiday tunes playing for a month already, it’s likely they already have gotten on your nerves. But think about the last time you listened to them for what they mean. Take another listen, you’ll appreciate them more and they will help you remember to accomplish the good deeds to make this an outstanding month.

Above all, remember to not rain — or snow — on anyone’s parade, spend time with those you care about, give what you can and go the extra mile to help people out. It’ll make you feel great at the end of the day.

Now, take that and multiply it by 12. Not only will 2009 end wonderfully, but it will make 2010 a great year for you and those around you.