The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year to acknowledge those around you. Whether that be a random act of kindness, a sweet treat, or a homemade gift, it is always important to show others how much you care.

During the holiday season sweet treats can please many.

Chocolate pretzel treats (also called Belly Buttons by some) are fairly easy to make. All you need are mini pretzels, Hershey Kisses, and M&M’s. First, lay out the pretzels on an oven safe tray and place the Hershey Kisses on top. Set the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit and once heated, place the tray in for about two minutes. After two minutes take out of oven and carefully place the M&M’s on top and let cool.

For white chocolate dipped Oreo snowmen, simply stick Oreos onto a wooden skewer and dip into melted white chocolate. Before hardening, place an orange mini M&M in the center for a nose, two brown M&Ms for the eyes, and five or six mini-brown M&Ms for the mouth.

Along with home-made treats, DIY decorations can be fairly easy.

One idea would be painting a snowflake or a christmas tree on a canvas. Simply tape off the desired shape with masking tape and paint over with paint. Once the paint has dried, peel the tape off.

Another idea is a hand-print wreath. First, trace your hand on green construction paper and cut it out. Cut out as many as necessary to create the size wreath you desire by gluing them together.

There are also many ideas that don’t include making things, like buying a mason jar and filling it with candy canes or hot cocoa mix. You just have to be creative; it’s the thought that counts. For additional ideas, Pinterest.com has many ideas and links to blogs and craft stores such as HGTV.com, Foodnetwork.com, and Michaels.com.