Here are some examples of small gestures that can help people around you feel valued:

1. Show your appreciation with a thank-you, a smile or a hug (or all three.) It takes just a moment, but it can make a person's day.

2. Practice a random act of kindness every day. Make this your "gift" to a stranger. For example, let someone in front of you in line. Hold a door open for someone. Smile and greet people you pass at work. These acts take only a few seconds or less, yet they create a mood that can last for hours.

3. Call up someone you haven't spoken to in a while, just to catch up on how they are. You've probably been meaning to do this for a long time. Now is a good time.

4. If you have children, give one child at a time your full attention for an afternoon: Go for a walk; go to library; or just sit and read or draw together. The activity itself isn't as important as sharing time and interacting together. Going to a movie or watching a video doesn't count.

5. Write a note of appreciation to someone who is important to you. Don't be surprised if that person keeps note for years to come.

6. Think of way you'd like to be remembered by those around you, and give of yourself accordingly throughout year. The added benefit for you is that you'll be in a more positive frame of mind overall.

Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Camp Hill, PA, and author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-defeating Behavior" (Beyond Words Publishing, 2001)

Visit http://www.innerbrat.com for more information, and subscribe to her free, monthly Inner Brat Newsletter.

Recipe: Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipes are one of our most cherished traditions. Passed down from one generation to next, they conjure up memories of holiday preparations or time spent with a favorite relative. Cooking provides a quiet time to pass on wisdom of family lore.

Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk 4 ounces Mexican chocolate such as Ibarra or 3 ½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon 4 tablespoons sugar Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon vanilla, preferably Mexican 2 eggs

1. In a medium sized saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until scalding.

2. Break chocolate into pieces. Add to hot milk along with sugar and salt. Stir until melted. Beat with a wire whisk until frothy.

3. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue to whisk.

4. Pour into 4 mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

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