Who said "cleanliness is next to godliness"? Pshaw! I think the closest we can get to godliness is to exercise our power to create a positive state of being in another person.

Think about it -- YOU have the power to CREATE contentment, peacefulness, relief, happiness or joy in ANOTHER BEING.

Something YOU DO can change another person's entire world IMMEDIATELY.

And if you ask me, that's the greatest gift we can give -- not just during the holidays, but any time of the year.

Kinda makes you want to go out and do something nice for someone right now, doesn't it?

Well OK, my motivated little elves! You don't have to wait to get a good idea. Just use one of these ten ways to transform somebody else's world today:

For the Insanely Busy. Know somebody who's working multiple jobs and is too darn busy to decorate? Buy a fresh wreath (or finally decide to let go of one from your WAY-too-big Christmas collection) and hang it on that hectic friend's door. Lay down a cheerful holiday welcome mat. Take a fiver into your neighborhood dollar store and grab five items you can add to your pal's house without breaking in. While you're at it, give the front porch a sweep.

Overworked and Underfed. Cook double-portions of dinner and prepare extra plates for your busy friends. Wrap the plates in aluminum foil and write encouraging notes on the foil with a marker. Deliver dinner to their door.

No Time to Shop. Going gift shopping? Ask your friend if you can take a piece of their Santa list and pick up some gifts for them, too. This is a great idea for those of you who actual relish braving those crazy December crowds. You know who you are. Don't forget to ask if they need greeting cards, too. And if you can spare some postage stamps, throw those into the deal. And if you like wrapping, offer to wrap a friend's gifts.

Use Your Credit Card Rewards for Them. Some credit card companies let you redeem earned rewards points for gift cards to popular retailers. Think about that mother of six whose husband lost his job last month. I'll bet they could put a supermarket gift card to excellent use. Out-of-work parents sure would appreciate gift cards they can use to put something under the tree for little ones, too.

Some Things are Universal. Warehouse club members, next time you buy a big-azz 48 pack of toilet paper, take a half-dozen rolls to a neighbor. Everybody needs it. And be sure to explain that you just bought a big-azz 48 pack of toilet paper and have plenty to spare -- otherwise they'll spend the whole weekend trying to decipher what you meant by that.

TV Night! Somebody you know feels a little lonely. And who are you kidding -- like you're not going to spend at least three nights this week parked in front of the boob tube? How hard would it be to invite somebody over for "tv night"? Pop some microwave popcorn and it's an event. And bedtime gives you the perfect excuse to send them home. Unless, of course, they're especially attractive.

Be a Coffee Shop Angel. Pick up the tab for the old guy in the next booth. Don't brag to him that you did it. Just ask the waitress to keep it on the down low, then leave. Somebody did this for me once. The recipient will most likely be delighted by the anonymous kindness, and you just might be giving a break to somebody who needs it. Besides, it spread good will, and that alone makes it worth it.

For Dreamers and Schemers. Someone in your life has a dream. Someone's thinking about changing directions, exploring a new career, following their bliss. Show them your support by doing a little research on their behalf. Think about what their next step should be or what information they might need to move forward. Think educational resources (how-to blogs, lists of classes), professional organizations, articles on industry trends or success stories that show it can be done. Send links in a supportive e-mail, or print out the info and send it by snail mail in a cheerful card -- it'll feel more like a treat to the recipient.

Express Yourself. When was the last time you told someone how proud they make you feel? Or how much you admire them? Tell someone how you feel. Tell everyone. But the key is to be specific. Show them you've been paying attention. "Honey, I notice you've been doing the dishes every night before I get home. I just want you to know how much I appreciate it. It really helps me take it easier at night.." That specific.

Take My Kids, Please! Offer to babysit so busy parents can go holiday shopping or just have some much-needed time alone together. Keep kids busy helping you make brownies, cookies, and other holiday treats.

Most importantly, remember to exercise your power to create good will throughout the year. We can never get enough.

-- Kim Brittingham