The holiday season is in full swing, and another year has passed! With the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time of year to come together with friends and loved ones, and give back a little to organizations that are trying to make a difference in the world. For this year's holiday newsletter, we'll take a look at some old and new charities that deserve your donations, and alternative gift ideas for that person who just seems to have everything.

'Tis the Season for Charitable Giving    

Alternative and Last-Minute Gift Ideas        

 Alternative gift ideas are growing in popularity as people move away from just "stuff" and toward more meaningful gift ideas. We've put together a list of some of the most interesting alternative gift ideas for this holiday season to give you something for everyone on your list!

Fair Trade Gift Shops

If you want to give a physical present, but want it to be something more meaningful, try shopping at a fair trade gift shop. Fair trade gift shops, like Ten Thousand Villages, offer unique gift options that also provide a fair living wage and improve the lives of people who make them. It's a win-win for your holiday shopping!

Give an Experience

Experiential gift giving is growing in popularity, and one site is doing everything it can to simplify the process. Great American Days offers the ability to browse experiential gifts by category, price, or location - with a ton of exciting and unique options!  From hot air balloon flights to getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car, driving a tank, or trapeze school, there's truly something for everyone.

Give Someone a Star

Once upon a time, lovers used to offer one another the moon and stars - and modern technology has made it possible to actually gift someone a star! You can name a star in someone's honor, or give them the ability to name their own star, at the Online Star Registry. Third star to the left, and straight on 'till morning!

Adopt a Wild Animal

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have a wild animal as a pet? While bringing a bear home isn't a practical option, many organizations offer the ability to "adopt" a wild animal by donating to the organization and knowing you've got a little animal buddy out in the world somewhere. For turtle lovers, there's the Sea Turtle Conservancy; for dolphin lovers, try the Oceanic Society, or if tigers are more your thing, try the National Zoo.

Don't Let the Hectic Pace of the Holiday Season Ruin Your Calm     

For many of us, the hectic pace of the holiday season means constantly rushing from place to place, always feeling like we've got to get more done, and never taking a moment to relax and refocus. This level of stress isn't healthy, physically or mentally, so remember to step back for a few moments every day and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season instead of getting bogged down in the minutiae. 

From all of us here at Expert Access to all of you and yours - Happy Holidays! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to reconnecting in the New Year and helping you achieve your goals for 2015.