…do something for other people.

“‘Tis the season for giving” doesn’t necessarily mean that we ought to be giving a whole lotta stuff.  I’ve been giving the idea a lot of thought primarily because we do seem to get caught up in the hype of buy-buy-buy during the holiday season.  I’m not saying that it doesn’t have it’s place, after all, that’s part of the fun.  But I remember having to scrimp, scrounge, and charge (!) stuff because I knew this was something someone on my Christmas list wanted.

This year, in this economy, I believe people are seeking alternatives to explosive spending.  I’ve cut back on holiday cards, on my Christmas list, and explained to people in my life that I was going to be limiting my spending to my parents and my best friend.  Maybe even my nephew, if I’ve money left over for it.  My current circumstance doesn’t allow for me to be downing untold hundreds into the holiday craze.

That being said, I’m advocating ways to help make other people’s holidays a happier one.

For instance, Xerox allows you to go to this website and send off a free postcard to U.S. Military personnel stationed overseas.  It takes less than a minute to pick out a design (unless you obsess like me), write up a note and click send!  Xerox will print them off and send them out on your behalf.

Also, in support of saving money this holiday season and using it to make someone else’s life better.  Donate some to your favorite charity or to a cause you support.  Recently, I saw a group called Advent Conspiracy, and I really appreciated the message behind their campaign.  Spend less, give more, especially their support of giving wells to provide clean water around the world.

So, that’s my message to you today: this holiday season, spend less and give more.  Give to your family, your friends, the troops, and to those in need.  It’s like a pay-it-forward concept.  Give, and hope that person gives to the next.  Make our world a better place.

Me & my soapbox: OUT.