'Tis A Gift To Give

Blogs all across the interwebs - including this one - are, at the moment, crammed full of wishlists and gift guides, ooh-ing and aah-ing over the most gorgeous items that we're all just dying to open under the tree.  I certainly won't stop dreaming about all the pretty things I'd like to get for Christmas and I promise I'll keep sharing them with you, but I'd like to ask you to take a second to think about not only what it means to receive but also what it means to give, especially at this time of year.

Giving can bring such an incredible rush of joy, regardless of the need of the recipient - but imagine how wonderful it feels to know that, in a time of true need, you have made a real difference in the life of someone in desperate circumstances.

We make choices every day that can affect those around us, and during the holiday season it is especially appropriate to consciously think of others especially as we open our hearts and our wallets.  From grand gestures (with £100 you could buy Jimmy Choo's croc-effect leather coffee cup sleeve or you could pay for the services of a professional translator to assist with the interview of a prisoner at Guantamamo Bay) to small steps (forgo your daily Starbucks fix to help provide clean water to communities in Africa) we can all choose to help people whose Christmas lists are vital to their survival.

We all know that giving isn't necessarily about  money, though; it really can be the thought that counts if you then act.  Because I'm in the business of fundraising for charity and I love graphics, I made you a lovely Venn diagram:

It truly is this simple.  Identify your passion, your resources, and the opportunity to put both into action.  Regardless of how you get involved or with whom, please do give this season.  It will be the best present you've ever picked out for yourself.