Holiday gifts

This is the time of year that we all want to give to our family members and friends gifts.  Unfortunately, the holidays seem to have become more about consumerism than truly meaning something.  It seems everyone is just trying to get the best deal rather than thinking through what would be meaningful for a family member or friend.

While many people these days want TVs, I-Pads, Mobile Phones, etc., I'd like to think outside the box and try for something more meaningful.

For instance, what's important to me is not necessarily important to others and vice versa.  For a family member of mine, it's important to her to give back to her community by fostering children.  So, I think it would be meaningful to give a donation in her name to the foster organization she likes best in her community.

Last year, friends donated to my favorite animal rescue in my name.  That was very meaningful to me and better than any gift I could have received.

I know a couple that is donating to a cause in Haiti as gifts to each other because they feel strongly about helping those less fortunate.

The gifts I've picked out this year for my day care customers I hope are special to each of them.  I'm not going to say what they are because that would ruin the surprise, but I do hope that they enjoy them because they are individual to each family.

What do I want for Christmas?  This year, I'm really hoping that Miss Tinker Belle and many of her friends at Angels on Wheels Animal Rescue find their forever homes for the holidays. That would truly be a blessed Christmas if every animal they have right now could find a home before December 25th!