Soul Sustenance: The Giving Season

Whether it’s the first draft of a gift list, a photo idea for holiday cards, or a location for a family gathering, many of us are already thinking of and planning for the holidays. The giving season quickly becomes too busy and hectic. Many of us forget the true meaning of the winter holidays. But a little thought and advanced planning make it easy to keep your heart in the holidays. Here are some ideas:

• Organize a family giving night and have kids select charitable gifts from an organization such as the World Vision Gift Catalog. Talk with your children about how giving back changes lives of children and families living in poverty and that their efforts truly make a difference.

• Host a house party for friends and family and ask your guests to contribute to a share of a group gift such as a farm animal, winter clothing or school supplies to families in need, or even a water well. Make the selection of the item, how to raise funds for that gift, and the collection of the money a collaborative, group effort.

• After Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday shopping, consider celebrating Giving Tuesday (12/3) and make meaningful, life-changing gift purchases such as medicine, mosquito nets or a fish pond.

• Be active in your giving -- volunteer at your local homeless shelter or senior living center; cook a meal or bake cookies for an elderly family member or neighbor.