For years I helped my 90-plus-year-old mother with her Christmas gift giving. We created homemade cards that read, What do you give someone who has 'everything?'...a child who has nothing. Then Mom added a hand-written note explaining that, instead of buying a gift for that person, she was supporting an orphan in Haiti in their name. She enclosed a photo of a child that would melt your heart.

Perhaps you'd like to join me in simplifying your Christmas and holiday giving. The daily news is filled with stories about how the needs of food banks and homeless shelters far exceed their ability to provide and many people will go without. Do you have a favorite charity you can support as your gift to those you care about? Need ideas? www.charitynavigator.org has a database that rates more than 5400 charities.

I've been following Mom's gift giving ritual for years and have never had a disappointed recipient; they are overjoyed to be a part of the giving! This tradition will not only bless the people on your list, but those in need, too...a perfect holiday gift for all.