| iving is a way to show you care. During the holidays | | | | sweater for the person you see living on the street. |
| people become more aware of those in need around | | | | If you cook take a fresh cooked meal to someone in |
| them. The urge to give gifts is natural but it doesn't | | | | need like the person you watch buying only bread |
| have to break your budget. | | | | and potatoes from the store every week because |
| There are many in need throughout the entire year | | | | they can't afford anything else. If you can read go to |
| although most people only think of giving to them at | | | | a school and volunteer your time, read to the kids |
| Christmas. There are many ways to give without | | | | who can't read. If you can listen, sit by the elderly |
| spending a lot of money. | | | | woman on the bus who has no one to talk to. If you |
| One of the best and most inexpensive gifts is your | | | | can write then write to a soldier in Iraq, then write to |
| time. Helping deliver meals to shut ins, feeding the | | | | his wife and children in the US spending the holidays |
| homeless, or even babysitting your neighbor's child | | | | alone. |
| are all examples. Many food pantries and shelters are | | | | The holidays are also a good time to remember |
| overwhelmed with people at this time of year and | | | | those serve others the rest of the year. Try giving a |
| would always welcome an extra set of hands. | | | | card to your doorman, garbage man, policeman even |
| Anything from clothes to blankets to food is | | | | the minister. You can make a card using stamps or |
| sometimes needed to be delivered to those in need. | | | | writing in calligraphy. Many people deserve a thank |
| Another inexpensive present to give is kindness. It | | | | you card such as gas station attendant or the |
| may be a meal to an elderly neighbor or a helping | | | | waitress who brought your food, even the bagger at |
| hand to that tired looking mom in the grocery store. | | | | the grocery store. A thank you note or letter will |
| Kindness is often overlooked as the best gift worth | | | | brighten their holiday. |
| giving. The best part is the fast return, better than | | | | There are many gifts that a person can give that |
| any money market account. You will feel the joy | | | | don't cost anything. The only thing they cost is your |
| instantly. | | | | time, energy, compassion and heart. During the |
| Using the skills you already have is a great way to | | | | holiday season you can give an inexpensive present |
| give a present. If you can build offer to help fix | | | | that is worth more than all the money you have. |
| something for someone. If you sew, make a warm | | | | Look around and then get busy! |