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It’s a tough time right now for many people, as our joblessness rate climbs, with more than 300,000 expected to be let go this next month.  It’s hard to stay hopeful, and yet, there are ways that we can keep the positive energy flowing.

When I think about the holidays….it is about spending time with people, serving people meals, and being grateful.  Perhaps we can translate part of that to our giving this year, and every year…

It can be such a wonderful trend that we are humbled to be less materialistic, and more focused on giving of ourselves. More focused on impacting other people’s lives. More focused on serving, rather than sending another gift.

The good thing is that people are still going to give.  And we can revolutionize the way we think about giving. What about the giving that comes from ourselves? It takes precious energy, and is one of the most valuable investments in life, in people.

It’s about spending time with people you love, or spending time with people who simply come across your path, in need of love.  Serving them in ways that help them with their daily lives, whether it be clearing the table, cleaning up your room, making a meal for your roommates, having flowers on the table, and yes, taking the garbage and recycling out. Those are the gifts of service, of helping, that go miles in filling our hearts and others. During this holiday season, and yet during any season of life…

Another idea, rather than spending $100 for a shirt or a purse, we could give $25 to buy eyeglasses for a child in Tanzania, or $50 to feed a family in Sudan. What we are really focusing on is that the gift can not only be less expensive  – but more meaningful. You can
see some examples by searching for gift packages at UniversalGiving.

Whatever you decide to do for these holidays.. the most important is giving the gift of appreciating people.  Let’s enjoy, appreciate and be thankful for our time together this holiday.

 Pamela Hawley is Founder and CEO of UniversalGiving™ (http://www.universalgiving.org). UniversalGiving™ is an awardwinning website allowing people to give and volunteer with the top performing projects all over the word.