Its that time of year again, the time of spending money and excess and giving to those you care about. And I wish I had the money to buy everything I wanted to buy for my loved ones but I don’t. I know where it is going and I wish I could hold onto it all but I just can’t. In truth my money is going mostly to my personal trainer and trying to eat healthier. But nevermind on that, thats not what this post is about…

I have been trying to come up with ideas on gifts for this Christmas that aren’t going to cost me a whole lot and yet have more feelings and emotions behind it. From making something from scratch or buying something that means more then just another object in the house.

Now, this brings me to my nephew – I don’t know what I can really make him. I think a NASCAR pillow which all I need is the fabric, I have the pillow form already so that is one thing down. But as his Godmother and not being an overly religious person, I find that as a guiding force in his life that I want to impress upon him not religious or spiritual values so much as other ideas and thoughts as well as the value of learning. Which he does get from his parents but I can’t think of any other reason why my brother would want me as my nephews Godmother. He could of chosen my mom or someone else. But he chose me for a reason. So each year I make sure that my nephew gets certain items from me – books, educational toys, etc.

And this year I want to step it up a notch. He will be turning 5 on New Years Day and I want to start teaching him about the endangered species of the world and environmentalism. I was around his age when I started to notice the damage we humans do to the world around us and wanted to do something to change it. And I know my brother and sister-in-law are teaching him about recycling et al. So, what can I do? Well, this year his big present is going to be an adoption… a Wildlife Adoption. Now, I just have to figure out which animal and which level to adopt the animal at. Which is definatly not easy. And of course I am worried how he will take it. I mean its not a racecar or some crazy new fangled toy.

I am thinking then, maybe what I can do to make him understand a little more is to adopt an animal for each member of my family. Instead of a ton of little presents like I normally do I will adopt an animal for his mom and dad as well. And for both of my parents. Then I thought about it and it seems to be a good way to go. And not just for bringing more of something special to my nephew but its something that can be done and its not an excess. Its money I am spending to make the world a better place and not just giving things just to give something. So, what other ways can we give a present and have it mean more then just hey I saw this in a store and thought you might like it. Also, it may take a few bucks away or some time but buying something for someone you don’t know is a gift to yourself.

• Wolf Saving Gifts – items you can buy specifically for saving wolves.
• Shop St. Judes – all profit after expenses goes to support St. Judes Hospital
• Give the gift of life. It only takes 45 minutes to donate a pint of blood: United Blood Services & Red Cross. You can also purchase items to help support the Red Cross in their efforts… here.
• Toys for Tots – I have seen how much children love to give toys to other children. Its amazing!
• Unicef
• and so many more… I can’t list them all

But here is a guide – Holiday Donations. I know I’m not the first person to think of this and I won’t be the last. I have wanted to do it in years past but I always let them buying of gifts outweigh the charity I wanted to do. This year, I can’t and don’t want to. I don’t know, maybe it will make a difference.