Give And Take

At this time of year, everyone talks about GIVING: the spirit of giving; gift giving; card giving; bonus giving. But for once, we'd like to talk about taking. That's right, TAKING. To be specific, taking back the holidays and making them stand for something meaningful, something honest, something great. Something other than the typical retail-infested, glutenous mound of excess that they have become.

Calvin Coolidge once said, Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Coolidge had something there. Driving around the mall in December doesn't get you that warm and fuzzy, peace and goodwill, spirit of the holidays vibe. Usually, it just gets you cut-off. The true meaning of Christmas (Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, what have you) has been watered down over the years and it's up to each of us to bring it back to its full potential.

Now eliminating presents entirely (gasp) might be a bit too extreme, but maybe just put a little more thought into the gifts you give this year. Try making a gift for a friend. How about spending time with a distant family member? Grab your kids one afternoon and help out a needy organization (see "The Nice List") or make a donation in someone's name. It'll be sure to give you that spirit-boost we're all in need of (and maybe keep a couple extra bucks in your pocket).

In the very least, we should all re-watch A Charlie Brown Christmas to find out "what Christmas is all about."

So this year, in conjunction with our 5th anniversary (see "High Fives"), we've decided to give back in a positive, hopefully impactful way. Starting in 2010, UNTUCK will announce a Scholarship Fund to help a talented college design student. We can't share too many details yet, but more info will be released in the New Year.

The Nice List

Sometimes a little list helps get the job done — just ask Santa. Charity work often seems like a daunting assignment (especially during this hectic season), but can be as simple as dropping off a toy or clicking that "DONATE NOW" button. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1. Give a Toy

2. Start a Giving Tree in Your Office

3. Teach Your Kids to Give Back

4. Volunteer Your Time

5. Make a Donation (or two)

One of these organizations might just be the perfect match for you.

Compassion Corps, Art-Reach, Women Against Abuse, National Urban League, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Committee of Seventy, Urban League of Philadelphia, American Bible Society, Pan American Academy Charter School, The Wellness Community of Philadelphia.