Tradition!

Yesterday we put up our Christmas tree.

'Tis tradition. The tree goes up on Thanksgiving and comes down the day after Jesus' birthday. It makes my happy hobbit hole smell like a Pine Sol Yankee Candle, with its glowing pearl lights, shiny red and turquoise bead garlands, and a hodgepodge of ornaments ranging from jingling bells to dangling balls to wild African animals.

But, there is a an expanse under my tree - a place where the presents should be. And, as a professional present-planner/list-maker/hunter-gatherer, one would think that all my shopping would be signed, sealed, delivered and yours.

But let me tell you somethin', Skippy Menendez. If you think that you have a tricky time with your Christmas shopping, try purchasing presents as a socially conscious minimalist with an iddy biddy budget.

The gift has gotta have purpose and meaning. It's gotta be something that they will like or that they will use. I can't get them another sit-around that they are just going to Goodwill after reading my blog. Or a do-hickey made in less-than-ideal labor conditions that will haunt my conscience every time I watch What Would Jesus Buy? Or something swanky that is beyond my non-profit budget.

So, let me help you help me. Here are my top 5 picks for Christmas gifts for this and all subsequent holiday seasons.

1. A Book: Some Smarty McFly said that the two things that will determine who you are by this time next year are the people that you hang out with and the books that you read. So, stop pondering giving the people that you hang out with that life-changing book that you just read. Give it to them. They just might read it, and it just might change their lives, too.
2. An Indulgence: Everyone has something that they love to do or buy or go to in order to treat themselves. The problem is, they feel a tad bit guilty about spending the extra dosh on it, especially during what some people are calling a recession, but what I like to call "learning to actually live within your means." So, find out what they love and take away the guilt by spending your moolah on it instead.
3. A Charity: As residents of the wealthiest nation on the planet, is there anything that we truly "need?" Methinksnot. So, find an awesome charity that empowers those living in poverty and honor your friends and family by giving a monetary donation in their name.
4. A Sweet: Fudge, truffles, toffee. Easy, yummy, cheap. Get thee to it, Julia Child.
5. A Gift Card: It seems like a cop-out, but here's the dealio-yo. The real steals are to be had AFTER Christmas has passed. So, instead of buying them that black petite merino wool crewneck sweater size XS from Banana Republic right now, wait until after the hollerdays are over, and they can get three for the price you would have paid for the one. And we all know how some people feel about getting deals on sweaters.
   

I hope this helps. And I hope you are not into surprises, because now all y'all know what you are getting from us for Christmas.