But the Christmas Spirit is what it's all about! A great Christmas Tradition is giving during the holidays. Charitable giving is a wonderful way to feel the Spirit of Christmas and give a little joy - plus, it doesn't hurt on your tax returns!

There are tons of ways to give back during the Holidays and help those who are less fortunate.  Whether you give your money or your time remember that giving is what it is all about so have a Happy Holiday Season!

My personal favorites:

• Make It Right Foundation - A foundation started by Brad Pitt to help restore the 9th Ward in New Orleans after being destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
• New Orleans Musicians Village - New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, along with Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis, work together to build a community to preserve the musical culture of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
• Girls on the Run - A national organization that encourages pre-teen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running.

Ever wanted to purchase a goat but without the mess of cleaning up after it...or perhaps a water buffalo? Heifer International is an amazing organization that provides animals and training to communities around the world. $250 buys a water buffalo for a family in the Philippines, or purchase a flock of egg-laying chicks for $20 for children in Cameroon.

FreeKibble.com and FreeKibbleKat.com are two websites started by 13-year-old Mimi Ausland to provide free dog and cat food to Humane Society's. All you have to do is visit the website each day and answer a trivia question - you can also sign up for email reminders. They also accept donations on both websites.

Make Christmas Special for Children

• Angel Tree
  
• Toys for Tots
  
• My Two Front Teeth
  
• Make A Wish Foundation
• Operation Christmas Child

Charities that support the Environment - Both the Nature Conservancy and American Forests have "1 Dollar, 1 Tree" programs. Also consider giving a membership to your local botanical or zoological garden as a gift to your favorite nature lover.

• The Nature Conservancy
• American Forests

Christmas is a great time to remember all the brave men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces. Any Soldier and the USO both provide opportunities to make a financial donation or to send specific items or care packages to support our troops.

Charities for the Greater Good:

• Red Cross - The British Red Cross is selling Poinsettia Christmas cards made from recycled paper for the holidays.
  
• Salvation Army - Get rid of all your pocket change! (If you are interested in being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army go here).
• Feeding America

Between now and the end of the year there are hundreds of 5K charity races across the country.  Registration fees are usually minimal or a canned good or clothing donation.  The races are a ton of fun, encourage dressing up and leading a healthy lifestyle!

• Indianapolis hosts a Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Morning.  Proceeds benefit Wheeler Mission Ministries.  
• Run the Turkey Trot in Forth Worth, TX to benefit the YMCA.  
• Bare It All for charity in Madison, WI on November 22nd; all you need is a clothing donation to enter this 5K run/walk.
• Join Seattle's Best for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk on December 13th to benefit Arthritis research.  
• Father Joe's Thanksgiving Day run in San Diego helps raise money to feed the homeless throughout the year.