give something instead

My new favorite thing is to give charitable donations as presents to people. I hope that if I keep doing it, it will influence someone else and so it will spread. Because there are people I know who don't need anything, and don't need useless things. So if there is someone like that in your life, or someone just can't find anything for this holiday season, consider donating something to a group they would appreciate. I made a donation to a classroom program that needs books to get children excited about the written word. (It only needs $69 more dollars!!) When I was first introduced to DonorsChoose.org on LJ, I donated towards getting a ballet barre for a Houston middle school. (Only $430 more to go.)

I also love to buy gifts for sick kids off the wishlists at Child's Play, which has raised a stunning $851,000 this year. If you're a gamer, or you love a gamer, this is the charity to support. It's organized by the guys at Penny Arcade and is completely awesome. There's Heifer International and ONE if you're interested in fighting poverty. Make It Right is working on building green, affordable housing for people in the 9th Ward in New Orleans. They have some very awesome home designs and plans.

Even if it is only one person on your list this year, go for it. Do it because it is a good thing to do. Do it because it gives you good karma. Do it because you know your friend will love it. Do it because you know your horrible, stuck up mother-in-law isn't going to say anything nice no matter what you give her. Whatever reason you have, just donate to something.