The holidays are here again and everyone is frenzied with shopping. So many of us rack our brains trying to pick the perfect gift at the right price and to find that “special something” for someone who “has everything.”

Instead of looking for things – why don’t you consider giving the gift of a shared experience? Instead of a coffee-maker, how about sharing a coffee date? Instead giving someone a TV -- how about taking in a theater production with your friend of family member? Instead of giving your kids sports gear, how about playing or watching sports together?

A gift of shared experience creates memories and connections that last well beyond the opening of the gift. Memories are both portable and durable -- they can be carried anywhere in our hearts, and they never expire!

This season, as you make your list (and check it twice) consider sharing yourself and adding the gift of your time to the list. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, just heart-felt.

Make this sharing-of-self a practice in spreading joy in your community. This time of year is difficult and lonely for so many people. Instead of donating money or gifts, consider a donation of your time and companionship.

Having someone to assist with errands, to stop in to read a story or to share a cup of tea could make an incredible and positive difference in an otherwise bleak season. By giving of yourself, you’ll receive the incredibly uplifting gift of gratitude in return.

Let me know how you do and enjoy the season!

I think this is a brilliant idea, but... time is so tricky to find, trying to organise a good christmas for the children as a single parent. I made my cards this year (partly as an economy drive, partly to have something to do during the long, dark months - unfortunately I organised so many things to 'keep me going' and avoid s.a.d. I am just super-busy!) - it took me just so long I asked my daughter to take me out and shoot me if I try and do it again next year. But delivering the cards was fun, with time for a quick chat if the recipient was in...

[b]My children are older now and only come home for visits. I really miss having kids around and doing crafts with them. A few weeks ago I invited any of the neighborhood kids who wanted to come to my house to come and join me in making cement decoratve stepping stones. I asked them to bring some special things from hom to put in them. The parents thought I was crazy! My husband of course worried about the mess as I came home with an 80lb. bag of cement, mixing pails, painting sticks for mixing, along with all different kinds of decorating stuff. It turned out to be messy as can be, noisy, and a bit chaotic, but the end for me justified the means! The children were so proud of their creations and couldn't wait togive them to their parents to put in their garden. This activity provided me with many intrinsic rewards. I love to see the smiles on kids faces and their sense of pride and self-esteem that they gained from doing this project with me. Kids are the future and it is the adultts of this world that need to role model and provide kids with activities that make them feel good about hemselves and loved.