Charity giving

The shopping, the cooking, the expectations and family time can all be overwhelming during the holidays. Sometimes to the point when the merriest time of year ends up feeling not so merry.

And with the thick of it right around the corner, it might be to your advantage to consider a stripped down, utterly simplified holiday - making it about spending time with your loved ones, not necessarily what's in your wallet.

If it's the hectic mall trip you're hoping to cut out of your holidays, try opting for meaningful gifts for your friends and family by making a donation to a charity of your choice.

Come this time of year, many charitable organizations offer holiday-themed alternative gift-giving opportunities.

For example, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) gives Canadians an opportunity to contribute to important land conservation initiatives through its Gifts of Canadian Nature program.

After all, sometimes it's the gifts that aren't found along the aisles that earn the biggest smiles.

For more information on the Gifts of Canadian Nature program, visit www.giftsofnature.ca