All I’ve heard this morning is Black Friday this and Cyber Monday that. I’m all for a good bargain and goodness knows I love to shop, but is this really what the holidays are all about? The more I hear about how so-and-so is desperate for a Kindle or how Santa had better deliver the right designer handbag, the more I think about those among us who aren’t fortunate enough to wake up on Christmas morning to a pile of brightly wrapped packages under the tree.

Most cities have a holiday program (usually based at the mall, grocery store, or church) in which you can “adopt” a child in need and get them a present. Sometimes they need basic items like new underwear or a winter jacket. Sometimes it’s a teddy bear or a doll to call their own. These children have very little, and it makes you realize what an impact a simple toy can have on their life. In my opinion, it’s a better use of money than, say, some new gadget that we really only buy out of boredom.

There are other ways to help out this season, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen or making a charitable donation. One woman I know keeps winter gloves, socks, and hats in her tote bag to hand out to beggars on the street. Another friend hosts Christmas celebrations each year at hospitals and children’s homes to bring a little holiday spirit to those who can’t be with their loved ones.

How can you help?

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