Malibu , California ( CNN ) -- Many people are struggling just to provide the basics these days . The big question is , how do you find joy and fulfillment during lean holiday times like these ? For the answer , I look back upon the philosophy by which my mother , Mieke Frankenberg , led her life , through both its brightest and darkest hours . Her philosophy originated during World War II through her experiences as a prisoner of war in a Japanese concentration camp in Indonesia . She had lived in that country with an abusive husband , whom she left before the war broke out and the Japanese captured her . Through the bleakest times , she reached out to her fellow prisoners to provide them with comfort and care . The lack of medical supplies meant care was n't much more than holding someone 's hand or sharing some of her starvation rations . While not a nurse , she gave of herself and drew a sustaining love in return . Returning to England after the war , my mother remarried and started a family , which grew to include me and my two sisters . With the camp behind her , my mother 's philosophy remained to always keep an open heart . She volunteered with the Red Cross and regularly provided emotional support for friends . She found that when love flows with no boundaries from an open heart , love also finds its way back in . She gave and gave , and received love in return . This `` open heart '' philosophy has sustained me , as well , through the most difficult of times , including a painful divorce about 20 years ago that left me near penniless . At that point in my life , I attended a fundraiser for ChildHelp USA . I donated some of the last money I had , and in return , I secured a session where an artist drew a picture of my two children at the time . At that sitting , the artist saw potential in some finger paintings I 'd made for my children and offered to give me free painting lessons . As I started painting , I discovered my emotional outlet . I began creating images of hearts that were always open , never closed . These hearts may have appeared unfinished in a way . But they brought me back to the lessons of my mother , a reminder to live as she lived -- openhearted . Soon , I changed from a frantic , terrified and angry person into someone who was able to let go of the past . I began to let other people into my life and to give back emotionally . Around that same time , I landed the TV role of `` Dr. Quinn , Medicine Woman '' and was back on my feet . I now embody my mother 's belief that only when you can love yourself and keep your heart open can you best give and receive love . My family continues my mother 's tradition at Christmas , when we open our home to relatives , neighbors , my six children and even their friends -- extending our family to include those unable to head home for the holidays . Some years , there are as many as 50 people at the dinner table . Living with an open heart can be a path to rewarding holidays for many people this year , even if budgets tighten and troubles mount . The holiday table may be less bountiful . There may be fewer presents under the tree . But an open heart can bring a wealth of love , hope and inspiration . You might think these are shaping up to be your gloomiest holidays ever . But remember , as my mother taught me , someone is always worse off than you . Find a way to give , even if you 're in need yourself . Find the place where you can provide comfort , care or love . Volunteer at a food bank or a shelter . Reach out to elderly neighbors to find out how you might make their lives a little easier . By opening your heart to others , good things will come to you , too . With that approach , I hope you 'll find that 2009 could become the most fulfilling of holiday seasons . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jane Seymour .
Jane Seymour says her mother 's spirit of openheartedness is instructive in lean holiday times . Her mother formed her philosophy while helping other POW 's in WWII , she says . She says that open hearts allow love to flow freely between people . Seymour : People always find a way to give , even if they are in need themselves .