Sometimes when I see young kids blessed with families and loads of adults giving to them, I am happy. Other times, I imagine the Christmas morning rampage through the piles of presents - where opening one gift only leads to a second's glance before moving onto the next target [to repeat the process]. I think to myself - geez, those are a lot of toys, too many toys to even worth cherishing. I mean, I love my beautiful nephews and nieces... but they got lolos and lolas and a mob of 20/30-something aunties and uncles who could all spoil them in an instant. They get books this year - no toys. [yes, i'm the boring uncle.]

the cliche is that this is the holiday of giving - but maybe this year, we can give in different ways, instead of indulging ourselves and each other in our everyday trinkets and novelties that we can get on our own. maybe, instead of buying a gift for me - pick up a toys for tots tag and give that toy you would've given your little nephew/niece/cousin to a child who doesn't have a billion other aunties/uncles/kuyas/ates ready to give them a toy this year. maybe, instead of buying me a card - you buy one and give it to a stranger in a homeless shelter. maybe, instead of buying that box of cards - you email your friends or call them on the phone - and dedicate that money to some art supplies for an after-school program. maybe, whatever you normally do - is just changed a little bit so someone else who wouldn't feel the holiday cheer could, even just for a minute.

this is the page - dedicated by supergaling.com - to celebrate our giving. it could be a dollar or more - or even time caroling or spent making on a personalized card, but I want to encourage and celebrate our redefinition of our personal giving. it's up to you - pick your donation/charity/method - email me a description of why it was chosen and what you gave. this page will be our own enclosed community's landmark of true generous spirit.