One scrooge in the family can dampen your entire households holiday cheer. He can ruin the holidays for everyone. But with a little effort, you can help your children get into the holiday spirit and spread joy to all family members, friends and those they come in contact with.

Serve - The holidays are an excellent time to serve those in need. There are many families who are struggling whether financially, physically or mentally. Find a family that could use some help. If your budget book allows, buy presents for struggling neighbors. Take them all of the ingredients to make a delicious Christmas dinner. Shovel the snow off of a neighbor’s driveway. You could even go caroling. The opportunities to serve are endless this time of year.

Throw a Christmas party - Being surrounded by family and friends is one of the easiest ways to bring the holiday spirit into your home. You don’t have to plan a large event, just something small with food, games and loved ones. You can even have a themed Christmas party to make the event more special. Throw an ugly sweater party or a Christmas treat potluck. Choose a theme all of your family members, no matter their age, will enjoy.

Make a fun advent calendar - Advent calendars are a fun way to countdown the holidays. Young children are especially fond of these countdowns because every day is something new. You can create your own advent calendar, like these on Make and Take, or purchase one.

Attend a holiday performance -  Plays, concerts and other Christmas shows can touch you and your children with the holiday magic. It can affect you in ways that other events can’t. Find a nearby Christmas performance and take your family members. Also, don’t be afraid to be involved in the performance and the events. Be willing to sing songs, read stories and more.

Make Christmas treats - Food is known to be the way to a person’s heart. You can find recipes that help celebrate this time of year and have your children assist you while you bake. Gingerbread, eggnog, fruitcake and fudge are just a few holiday favorites. Here is a simple recipe for fudge that you can make quickly and with the help of your children.

Fudge

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup butter

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter in a large microwavable bowl. Cook in microwave until chips are melted (about 3-5 minutes). Stir mixture to prevent from burning. Stir in nuts. Pour into well-greased 8x8-inch glass baking dish. Refrigerate until set. There are dozens of activities you and your family members can participate in this holiday season. Don’t let scrooge dampen your family’s spirits and bring the holiday magic into your home.