Spreading the Holiday Spirit

• Tweet
• 
  

• Tweet
• 
  

I love the holiday season!  I love the smell of Christmas trees, Christmas cookies, fudge and other goodies.  I love eggnog and especially eggnog milkshakes and pancakes!  And, I love that holiday spirit!

But, I hate Christmas shopping!  For some of my family members Christmas shopping is easy, I know their needs and their desires and it is easy to get them the things that they and their families need for the year.

But for some, it is especially difficult!  Even in tough economic times some people really don’t need presents or gifts to set on the shelf and dust or a new hideous seasonal sweater or tie that they will only wear once.

Even when it comes to myself, I sometimes struggle with what to tell others I want or need for the holidays.  So I decided to tell my family to pick from some of my favorite charities and donate in my name or in my honor.

I would much rather have someone donate to help save the Cheetahs, find homes for animals in need, or help needy children rather than send me a hideous sweater or something that needs constant dusting (or in my house “de-furring).

So I figured I would make a plea to you.  For those of you who have those hard to buy for family members please find a charity to make a donation to in their name in honor of the holiday season.

Things to keep an eye out for?

Charities that are 501(c)(3)s have to jump through hoops in order to get that status and they have to answer to the Internal Revenue Service.

It also means that monies and expenses are made public so you can see exactly where your money is being spent.

Obtaining the status is not easy and also means that your donation is tax deductible.

Not all charities are 501(c)(3)s but this is one of the critical facets I look for before I donate.

With the life money and times being tight, charities and their employees are struggling, so if you can I suggest you share some Christmas cheer!

Some of My Favorite Charities?

White Oak Conservation Center (this is where I worked with Cheetahs), and I know they do fabulous work!  Simply amazing animals and people!

I have Belgian Malinois and a Dutch Shepherd so I love those rescues and Weimaraner Rescue  is close to my heart, along with the Big Dog Rescue Ranch.

And, I love P90X and Tony Horton so the charity close to his heart, the Go Campaign that helps children and the RED Campaign to end AIDS are also a favorite.

Certainly, you don’t have to support the charities that I hold dear, but do some research and find your own.  Decide what you love or what the person you are donating in the honor of loves and find something that supports your cause!

And, if you can’t donate financially, just go to your local shelter or rescue and spend some time petting the animals and soothing them in their time of need.  Animals are so easy to love and cheer up!

But, whatever you do get out there and spread some kindness and some cheer this holiday season!  And, if you work for a charity feel free to tell us about it and add a link!  Lets change the world together!

---