A lot of the operational things you take for granted are a mystery to many people who own Apple products. If you notice that your father routinely mouses to a common menu command, gently suggest that Command-S will save a file and Command-Option-Eject will put the Mac to sleep. If the brother who refuses to wear bifocals invariably hunches over to read small print on the screen, demonstrate the Control-Scroll Wheel/Ball trick that zooms the screen. Point out to Cousin Bob an Angry Birds level or two where a Golden Egg can be found.

There are a host of additional little things you can do. Set the proper date and time on any devices you come across—computer, iPhone, digital camera, and camcorder. Switch on the flat-screen TV and configure it to display the best HD image possible. (And see if the family is viewing the HD-versions of its favorite networks rather than the standard definition versions they’ve defaulted to.) Check the ergonomics of the desk and chair your mother sits at when using her Mac. Glance at About This Mac to learn whether a Mac is RAM-starved.

Finally, take a seat next to your friend or family member when they’re using their Mac or iOS device and ask them if there’s anything that confuses them or they’re having trouble with. After the initial “Oh, no, I'm getting along just fine” you might hear “Oh, but there is this one thing….” That’s your cue to reply “That’s a problem for a lot of people. Here, let me help you.”

The helping hand you extend may be the greatest gift they receive this year. Happy holidays to you and those who benefit from your generosity.