This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about some good gifts for the people on your holiday list. There’s one gift that’s probably not on your list but that could be a matter of life or death: the gift of blood.

The need for blood or components of blood, such as plasma or platelets, is always high and usually higher during the holiday season because fewer people think to give blood and because there’s often more need. Taking time out of your busy schedule to donate blood at this time of year could help save a life, and the need goes on throughout the year. Dr. Ravi Sarode, a pathologist and blood transfusion expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, suggests setting a regular schedule for blood donations throughout the year, tying your donations to dates you’re sure to remember, such as your anniversary or birthday. One donation of blood could help multiple people because the blood can be broken down into components..