It is that time of year when we begin thinking about Holiday Giving, the real meaning those holidays have for us and how we can truly celebrate our spirituality, connectedness and genuine desire to aid our fellow-man. Giving almost always blesses the giver more than the recipient. So with that thought in mind, I have some suggestions to offer:

1. Run or walk a charity race – Many 5k and longer runs benefit a charity. Your entry fee pays for your t-shirt, race coordination, and, in part, contributes to the charity.

2. When you pay cash, save your change and put it in a jar – Save it for a month, and then donate the proceeds. Alternatively keep it in a baggie in your car. I empty my change every single time I walk by a red kettle.

3. EBay – Go through your closet, dress or basement, everybody has something to sell. No doubt there is someone out there who will want it. Donate the money to your favorite charity.

4. Sponsor someone – School walk-a-thon, community car wash, charity event, animal shelter fundraiser, whatever. This way you get to help them reach their goal and contribute to something bigger.

5.Institute a luxury tax – Every time you go out to dinner, to the theater or other entertainment, set aside 20% of the amount you spend and donate it.

6. Buy extra – Every once in a while when you buy staples at the grocery store, buy two of everything and donate to a food pantry, church or shelter.There is always a need.

7. Empty your closet and the kids toy box – If you haven’t worn it or played with it this year, donate it to someone who will.

8. Do your shopping online and support sites that make a difference – You get a nice gift, the people who made it earn a living. Try WorldWomenWork, GreaterGood or WomenforWomen.

9. Give a larger than normal tip to a service worker, salon worker or waitress, especially if you know they have small children!

10. Buy gifts for children or families in need – Many times you can team with a church or organization to help provide a Christmas dinner and gifts for struggling families.

Whatever you choose, you will receive more from the giving than they will. Trust me on this…

Question everything, move forward, enjoy the journey.

Sometimes we need a reminder to be grateful for the little things, myself included. We remember to stop and say thank you for babies, raises, recovery from illness, new cars, homes, jobs, vacations, gifts and all those flashy aspects of life. Just for a minute, try to think about the tiny, often overlooked objects or occurrences that comprise the vast majority of our days.

I had an eye opening moment this weekend, just a simple gesture that caused a shift for me. An aha moment of the best kind. I was preparing to assemble my Christmas tree with my children; I opened the box and found a note tucked inside. As I reached for the tiny piece of paper, my heart began to melt and I knew even before I opened it that this would be something significant. On it were written just a few simple words, a private message of comfort, but its impact was for me, enormous. My husband, who as you may know is currently serving in Afghanistan, had written me a note an entire year ago and sealed it in the box before he put it away. The significance of this small gesture was not in the note itself or the words it contained, but in the generous and loving act of his having the forethought and consideration so very long ago to try to ease my sadness at our separation. This was way better than flowers or jewelry any day!

It’s not about gifts and grand experiences. It’s about simple acts of kindness that you receive and can give to others in return. What small act can you do today?

I love this mission statement – CharityFocus is an experiment in the joy of giving. Our services enable inspired people to contribute in meaningful ways to the world around them. Together, we hope to “be the change we wish to see in the world.”