What better time of year to spread joy? A few ideas:

• Compliment cashiers. Share a kind word with other shoppers. Even brief social connections can be a big mood booster.

• Invite friends to share a traditional holiday dish with you. Whether it’s latkes, benne cakes, or Aunt Jan’s gelatin salad, family favorites are fun and carry a special story.

• Open doors or say good morning, trying to win a smile from each encounter.

• Offer to run an errand for a busy pal. Ask a coworker to join you for a post-lunch walk. Praise a colleague’s efforts to their manager.

Small acts mean a lot. How will you get in the spirit?