A turkey, a ham or standing rib roast, a rich sweet potato casserole, fried oyster stuffing, Beef Wellington, Cornish game hens, Brussels sprouts wrapped in bacon — when it comes to Christmas, the cooks in the family go to all kinds of lengths and measures and expense to put a meal worthy of the holiday on the table.

It can be very expensive. Ingredients for a fine holiday dinner for many people can add up to a quite a hefty total on that grocery store receipt.

And for that, we should all be grateful: for the ability to purchase the ingredients, to have the wherewithal to make those recipes — time, a roof overhead and oven in the kitchen, electricity to power it all — and to sit down to a fine dinner and leave the table full to bursting.

There are those among us who won’t do that this Christmas, who do not have the means or ability to indulge in this holiday tradition. There are those who will go hungry, on Christmas Day, no less; a day steeped in idea of generosity.

So be generous. Take that hefty grocery bill, divide it in half and donate it to Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry. Take what was paid for that case of wine, divide it in half and donate it Zion Shelter and Kitchen. These entities are in the business of feeding those in need.

Be full of good food on Christmas Day, but also be full of the Christmas spirit. Be generous.