My friend Jamie wrote about her thoughts on the subject and the ensuing dilemma of exchanging gifts with her family and children. I can totally sympathize; how do you explain to a three- or four-year-old that he won’t be getting gifts this year, even though all his friends are? Can you expect your family to go along with your charity, even if it’s not an issue to them? Isn’t there some balance to be had?

I’m not sure what the perfect answer is. Maybe I should feel guilty because I have a decent apartment and a decent car and I can give gifts to my family at Christmas. Maybe I should live as meagerly as possible and donate all my extra cash. Or maybe not. Maybe either extreme isn’t healthy.

For 2009 I’ve committed to sponsor a child through Compassion International, an organization that provides for the economic and social welfare of impoverished children around the world. My new buddy’s name is Angello, he lives in the Dominican Republic, and (through no coincidence of choice) we share the same birthday. My sister is collecting soap and shampoo for the homeless in Houston and donating to the Star of Hope Mission (you can contact her at michelle.higgins [at] att.net if you want to help out). Jamie is finding comfort in providing for her children and supporting others.

I still don’t know what the perfect answer is, but as with everything in life, balance is key.

Here’s to sharing the true joy and love of Christmas.