Creative Giving in Tough Times

Some good may actually come out of this economic crisis. We may just put away our credit cards and celebrate the holidays with a new currency. Creativity.

Gift giving may be more challenging, requiring some thoughtfulness and originality and time. But perhaps receiving this year will be that much sweeter. Gifts from the heart are timeless and always priceless.

By PamelaH

It's a tough time right now for many people, as our joblessness rate climbs, with more than 300,000 expected to be let go this next month. It's hard to stay hopeful, and yet, there are ways that we can keep the positive energy flowing.

When I think about the holidays, it is about spending time with people, serving people meals and being grateful. Perhaps we can translate part of that to our giving this year. It could be such a wonderful trend. That we could be humbled, less materialistic. More focused on giving of ourselves. More focused on impacting other people's lives. More focused on serving, rather than sending another gift.

People are still going to give. But we can revolutionize the way we think about giving. What about the giving that comes from ourselves?

It takes precious energy and is one of the most valuable investments in life, in people. It's about spending time with people you love, or spending time with people who simply come across your path, in need of love. Serving them in ways that help them with their daily lives, whether it be clearing the table, cleaning up your room, making a meal for your roommates, having flowers on the table, and yes, taking the garbage and recycling out. Those are the gifts of service, of helping, that go miles in filling our hearts and others. During this holiday season and yet during any season of life.

Another idea, rather than spending $100 for a shirt or a purse, we could give $25 to buy eyeglasses for a child in Tanzania, or $50 to feed a family in Sudan. I saw gifts like that on UniversalGiving. What we are really focusing on is that the gift can not only be less expensive -- but more meaningful.

Whatever you decide to do for these holidays, the most important is giving the gift of appreciating people. Let's enjoy, appreciate and be thankful for our time together this holiday.

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