With exactly one month — 30 days — to go before Christmas, we present a special Road Trip this month filled with the spirit of giving and simplicity that are at the heart of the holiday.

Black Friday is behind us. Ahead, thoughtful ways to give to the many around us who are facing tough economic times. Mix that with a little travel and some new sights (anyone for a visit to Kringleville, a special holiday show in Biddeford or some bagel-based Christmas cheer in Bangor?), and you’ve got a seasonal road trip to remember.

But first, a few suggestions of things you can do locally — or anywhere, really — to help others and bring more meaning to your own holiday offerings.

– Volunteer at the food bank (and if they want to “pay” you in food, take it and give it to someone in need that you know).

– Buy a bag of groceries at the store and donate it for the needy.

– Woodworking skills? Make some handmade toys for kids. Likewise, if you have sewing skills, sew a rag doll for some little girl who would love it, or crochet and knit a hat and mittens.

– Computer skills and some printing paper? You can make some homemade coloring books for kids and buy some packs of crayons to go with it.

– Contact your church, any local organization or your child’s school to contribute — as little or as much of yourself as you choose — to their efforts to help others. They likely know families in need.

– Perhaps you know someone who might just need some gas for their car so they can get to a doctor’s appointment or to the store. Or someone who doesn’t have a car at all and could use a lift, or a ride around town next month to see the Christmas lights.

– Start a new tradition with your kids: Have them pick one item from their Christmas list, go buy it with them and then donate it to a less fortunate child.

– Have a neighbor down on their luck? Make a casserole and take it to them. Or bread. Or cookies. Or adopt a whole family for Christmas if your pockets and your heart are deep enough.

 – And don’t forget the pets. Buy a bag of dog or cat food and give it to a family who has pets or donate it to your local animal shelter.

– Got the desire to help but don’t know quite where to go from there? In L-A, the Salvation Army, the Trinity Jubilee Center and Advocates for Children are just three groups that do lots of good in the community. Ask around in your community for others. For more suggestions and information contact your local United Way Chapter (in Androscoggin County it’s 795-4000 or www.unitedwayandro.org) or call 2-1-1 or go to 211.org. And don’t limit your do-gooding desires to the holidays. Groups need year-round support to sustain their missions.

Happy holidays!

Destination Waterville

Kringleville

http://www.kringleville.com/

www.watervillemainstreet.org

Castonguay Square, corner of Main and Common St.

Waterville

Now through Dec. 22

Kids can visit Santa and have their photos taken, buy handmade ornaments and lots more. Check out the colorful and musical website for more information.

And while you’re there, visit:

Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers

93 Silver St.

Waterville

873-7548

http://www.mainechildrenshome.org/christmas-program.php

Each year, the Christmas Program at The Maine Children’s Home distributes boxes of gifts and clothing to approximately 1,600 financially disadvantaged children throughout the state. It is the only program of its kind that provides new toys, books, games and new, warm clothing to boys and girls throughout Maine.

And . . .

Central Maine Family Christmas Dinner

Waterville

877-5258

Christmas Day

http://www.centralmainefamilychristmasdinner.com/

This year is the 5th annual Central Maine Family Christmas Dinner at the Waterville Elks Lodge, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It features a traditional Christmas turkey dinner including gift stockings for the little ones and music to brighten the day. Everyone is invited.

Destination Biddeford-Saco

City Theater Associates

205 Main St.

Biddeford

Box office: 282-0849

Treat yourself to some musical theater with “Honk,” a delightful family musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story, showing at the City Theater from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. Call the box office for ticket information.

And while you’re there, visit:

Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center

http://seedsofhope4me.org/

571-9601

35 South St. (entrance)

Basement of 18-1/2 Crescent St.

Biddeford

Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center offers clothing assistance to Maine residents. Through the drop-in center, families receive donated clothing. The center operates Tuesday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. In addition to the clothing, the neighborhood center offers nonperishable food items, a continental breakfast and a space to read, play games and watch TV.

And . . .

Saco Holiday Festival and Parade of Lights

http://www.sacospirit.com/holiday-festival.html

Main Street

Saco

Dec. 8

Toys for Tots and Saco Spirit present the annual Holiday Festival and Parade of Lights. In addition to the parade, Santa Claus will be at City Hall, there will be a cookie walk and a supper. Music, downtown shopping and food fill out the holiday experience.

Destination Bangor

Downtown Holiday Festival and Festival of Lights Parade

Dec. 1

947-8336

For more info email [email protected]

Santa’s Workshop in Bangor is on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Headquarters is 33 Central St. at Bagel Central. There will be a free meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your own camera for free pictures. There will also be a Santa Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown, cookie decorating, crafts and more. It will be followed by the annual Festival of Lights Parade at Main Street and West Market Square at 4:30 p.m. and the city tree lighting at around 6 p.m.

And while you’re there, drop by:

Families And Children Together

Maine Kids-Kin

304 Hancock St., Suite 2B

Bangor

207-941-2347

mainekids-kin.org

This is a government funded program to assist grandparents who are raising their grandchildren in the state of Maine. The program helps them purchase food, clothing and toys at no charge, and offers a host of other services. Although the program is federally funded, it also accepts private donations from businesses and individuals on a tax-deductible basis.