• What better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by giving gifts that can change the lives of people who are in need? With a little thought you can select a charity and donate to it in the name of your loved ones, instead of exchanging gifts. If enough people do this, a substantial difference can be made. There are many people in need both in the United States and around the world.
  
  

Charitable Groups

• There is no shortage of people or organizations in need. So, you will need to look for charitable groups that reflect your concerns or the concerns of your loved ones. Chose a sector that you would like to support. For example, you may want to sponsor a child overseas, donate to an environmental group, help urban city programs that fight poverty, or even support medical personnel who travel around the world to help those in need.
  
  

Monetary Donations

• After you have decided on an area of interest to you, research individual organizations within that area to separate legitimate ones from ones that aren't. Ask the organizations what percentage of the money they receive goes to overhead and how much goes directly to the cause. Do not be afraid to ask these questions. Any good organization will have these facts and figures on hand. Also check information from third-party organizations that rank these non-profit groups. Decide which charitable groups you want to support, and give donations to them as Christmas gifts for your family and friends.
  
  

Donations of Time

• If you want contribute more locally, you can look into soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or youth programs in your area. You will be surprised to find out how much help many local neighborhoods need. Bear in mind that you do not always have to give monetarily. You can give in time and service, which can be equally charitable. Moreover, what some charitable agencies need is exactly that, the time and service of people who are willing to lend a helping hand.