It's a time to embrace all the simple and cozy pleasures the season has to offer: holiday parties, fuzzy socks, strings of lights that bring ambiance to those early evenings. Now is the perfect time to increase your contentment and spread the joy, by preparing and sharing some homemade food.

Fire Up the Oven: Staying in is always the perfect excuse to create a comforting meal from scratch, especially when it fills your house with warmth and good scents. It could be a batch of almond scones, a chicken pot pie with extra rosemary, or a homemade pizza with a robust basil-garlic sauce. Whatever you prepare, the best results start with high-quality, wholesome ingredients, according to the experts at Simply Organic, which makes seasonings and extracts.

Share the Joy: Whatever you're cooking, be sure to make extras, because connecting with others is especially important this time of year. Use your cooking to uplift someone who could really use a friendly gesture. Perhaps there's an elderly neighbor who can't get out much in the winter or a friend or colleague with a touch of the blues. A shared homemade meal can be a source of comfort and can bring contentment to a winter evening.

All Aglow: However you share the meal, be sure to go with warm, intimate lighting. Place lit candles around the room, hang a string of lights, or do both. Either way, the soft glow will make everyone want to linger a little longer over the dinner table, savoring the warmth that comes from the cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and fellowship.

Take Time for Reflection: In the end, your effort and the happiness it creates can make you feel a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Think about how the time-honored practice of sharing your home, your time, and a homemade meal transforms how you feel about the season. Then, inspire others with your stories and photos on social media with the hashtag #CookForAChange.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.cookforachange.com.