Giving VS Donating

This Christmas season, I started thinking about the way in which I give gifts, and the way I receive them.

Most other seasons, I'd go out, buy a gift (or gift card), and send it on it's way without another thought. This year, however, I pondered turning that "gift" into something that was truly needed and wanted. Let's face it -- most of the gifts we get during the holidays are things we don't need, things that will just sit in a closet or in a room -- unopened and unused. I kept thinking about what a waste that was -- a waste of money, time (spent shopping) and energy (in wrapping, mailing, etc). So, this year I broke with tradition, and decided instead to give donations as gifts. Basically, I took the money I'd normally spend on gifts, and donated instead to worthwhile charities in honor of the "recipient". This year, the following charities benefitted: St. Jude Children's Hospital, Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Foundation, and Big Cat Rescue. Next year, I'll choose all new charities.

And I gotta tell ya, at the end of this season's "shopping", I felt very good. Better than I have in a long time. I felt I was helping to make a difference, instead of adding to the problem. Maybe next year, in addition to cash, I could spend some time volunteering. Spend those "mall hours" at a charity doing REAL work. How great would that be? 'Tis a season for giving, after all! : )