Do you dread the trip to the mall? Why not try something different this year and not go at all? There are so many gifts that are rendered useless after a short while, so why not give a gift that means something more than material things?
One of the most memorable gifts I’ve received came last Christmas when a friend of mine made a donation in my name to the Heifer Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting sustainability and self-reliance.
I like to think of Christmas as the season where the kind of giving is to people who are really in need. It should be a time to really appreciate what we have and help those who don’t have much to value at all.
Not sure what organization to give to? This site can get you started.
I HAVE FOUND THAT ON-LINE SHOPPING HAS REDUCED A LOT OF MY HEADACHES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE TRAFFIC IS HORRIFIC DURING CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR. I ONLY LIVE 5 MINS (DRIVING DISTANCE) FROM THE CLOSEST MALL. BUT, DURING THE THANKSGIVING OR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY IT USUALLY TAKES ME ABOUT 30 MINS TO AN HOUR JUST TO GO AROUND THE CORNER! NOT TO MENTION, I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN (BOTH UNDER 3YRS OLD) THEY MAKE SHOPPING PAST 10 MINS. NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. MOST OF THE MAJOR STORES HAVE CITES NOW SO THAT MADE SHOPPINGEASIER. I’M NOT SURE HOW YOUR MAIL IS CONDUCTED BUT HERE IN THE SOUTH YOU CAN ALSO SHIP THINGS RIGHT FROM YOUR HOME. THE UPS/MAILMAN WOULD COME TO YOUR FRONT DOOR TO PICK UP PACKAGES. YOU JUST HAVE TO FILL OUT A BRIEF FORM WITH DETAILS AND IT IS DONE. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GETTING INTO GIFT CARDS AS WELL. JUST ONE STOP TO THE MALL AND A FEW CARDS LATE AND YOUR SHOPPING TRIP IS COMPLETE. WITH GIFT CARDS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS COULD BUY WHAT THEY WANT AND USE THE CARD WHEN THEY NEED IT. THESE ARE JUST A FEW TIPS THAT I HAVE FOUND HELPFUL. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!