This is what it's all about, isn't it? - finding meaning in the gifts we give... that echoes the meaning of the season. Meaningful gift ideas abound - but some of us might need help with this, so sick are we of the commercialization of such inherently meaningful holidays (holy-days) as Christmas and Hanukkah. 

It may be more and more difficult to counteract the "Shopping Days Until..." syndrome in our busy lives, making us more and more inclined to Bah-Humbugness... or just forgetfulness. Even those who only wish to celebrate the solstice may have trouble digging down to the substance of the season’s import.

Whether what seems to be lost is a religious sense, family togetherness, or simple joy in gift-giving and receiving between special friends, many of us have desires that aren’t being fulfilled at Christmastime.

...So how can we help each other out? There are as many answers as people, of course. Ideas...

Taking someone to hear a Christmas oratorio. Arranging for far-flung family members to get together for a Hanukkah celebration. Resurrecting old family traditions (why not make a gingerbread house when you’re an adult?). Carving out space in busy schedules for quiet enjoyment or rousing jubilation. A CD or tape of favorite carols. A wonderful book of Christmas stories. A star.

For the person who has everything - a grandmother, perhaps, who is quite content with what she has and just wants everyone to be happy and honor what she's taught her family - consider a Raft of Kind Deeds as the present:  Each person in the family will send a card or letter to Grandma detailing their experiences with the kind deeds they've chosen to perform on her behalf. (Really, it's on their own behalf, of course...)

Other such out-of-the-box ideas may take fire and become traditions that come into play in following years. ...Such as:  Tell your loved ones that your gift to all of them is that you will perform a "random act of kindness" for someone else on their behalf.

In fact, why not have a "surprise kindness party"? - like a scavenger party, where people are sent out in teams to round up randomly assigned objects, but these teams would go out into the town to perform acts of kindness... and then report back on their experiences. I bet they'll return filled with joy! - and will never forget the delight of gift-giving-on-the-fly.

Little things are powerful... Maybe you'll even start a movement that will change the world.