Give More Than Gifts This Holiday Season

Holiday habits are easy to develop. The first hint of Christmas jingles in television commercials sparks a trip to an outlet mall or department store. It's easy, at times, to purchase gifts and feel pride in selecting something brilliant for a relative that seems to have everything. Sometimes giving the ultimate gift doesn't include a car ride to a mall we hate to walk around, and feeling the angst that comes with "sold out" signs on an item you really wanted to buy. Your friends and relatives may be more impressed with what you can give back to your community, than what you can put a name tag on.

Your time is the most valuable asset you have. Whether you know it or not, an elderly neighbor may have more use for a driveway free of ice and snow than another batch of cookies he shouldn't eat or a necktie he won't wear. If you have a relative that seems to have everything and is impossible to shop for, spend a day volunteering at a children's hospital or orphanage, and take pictures of yourself and the children while you're there. Make a collage of the photos and give it as a gift. Photos are timeless, and will be cherished for years to come.

If you can't make it home for Christmas, take Christmas to someone else. Volunteer your time at a retirement home or a homeless shelter. Some people don't want a lavish gift for Christmas, just a meal or to spend time with someone other than a nurse. You can also meet with other community members, collectively put together a Christmas meal, and deliver plates to shut-ins and those unable to travel to see their own family for the Holidays.

In lieu of gifts, give to a charity in the gift recipient's name. A small donation of five to ten dollars won't go very far in a retail chain store, but it can make a world of difference when given to an organization that uses its resources to feed and house those less fortunate. Instead of giving your aunt another gravy boat, give ten dollars in her name to a local charity. Some charitable organizations pull together money from the community and purchase gifts for children that may otherwise not receive anything under the Christmas tree this year.

If you live in a warmer climate, you could organize a group to paint a home in the community or do yard work for someone who cannot afford to pay for the services. Most hardware stores sell neutral paint shades for very little money, and with several people chipping in, the cost is minimal. Paint brushes, gloves, rakes and leafblowers can be borrowed from throughout the community. Go through your garage, and see what you already have to keep cost down.

Used toys can be a simple and inexpensive way to give. Visit local churches and youth groups and allow them to help. Collect gently used toys and refurbish them. An old teddy bear witha few holes can become a unique patchwork bear with a little creativity. Old toy trains that just need a new coat of paint, or dolls that need new dresses can also be fixed with materials found in garages or sewing rooms. Many retirees and stay at home parents would gladly give their time if asked.

If you need help, and aren't sure where to start, contact the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The scouts are always looking for opportunities to help out in local communities. Make sure to allow enough time for the Scout leaders to assemble groups and have time to work on the project with you. Enlisting the scouts to help is a win-win situation. You get the help you need, and they benefit from not only sharing in the responsibility, but they can also work on getting awards for community service.

Don't be afraid to pick a project and ask for help. Set a deadline to allow enough time to make deliveries or to complete a task for someone. Don't wait until late December to begin. Use your time wisely, and make the most of it. Your family members can make a great team. Pull as many family members together as you can, and see what they can do to contribute. You may be surprised as to what hidden talents are right under your roof.