Hello seasoned readers! In this issue:

• It’s the season of giving!

• Easy ways to give this season and strengthen your community

• Giving will literally save your life!!

• Fun with food: Four-ingredient sugar cookie truffles

It’s the Season of Giving!

The holidays can mean many things to each of us, from religious observances to sparkling lights, sweet treats, and fond family traditions. It can also evoke memories of seasons past, the people we love, and those we miss. Sometimes by giving to others in unexpected ways, we can bring more joy and companionship into our own lives during this special time of the year - no matter if you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or another holiday on your calendar.

In this issue, you’ll find new ways to give to underserved communities, local causes, and those who serve you throughout the year. And you’ll find some fun ideas for sharing with your friends and family as well… whether you want to open your wallet, your home, or your heart.

Bring joy to the world

Paint the Globe Foundation

Founded by artist and gentle soul Gabriel Williams, Paint the Globe Foundation (PTGF) spreads the importance of art literacy. Its mission is to foster human potential in developing communities around the world through shared resources, art literacy, and education. With a global focus on underprivileged children, women, and families, the projects are diverse and life-affirming. Donate art supplies or financial gift.

Local Hope Guatemala

For over 30 years, Local Hope/Xela AID has served the communities in the highlands of Guatemala with its mission to empower families and communities to be healthy, educated, and self-reliant. Learn more about the Impact of Local Hope/Xela AID's work. Also see the Local Hope catalog or watch their video.

Feeding America

Feeding America is a nationwide resource for finding free food and local food banks.

This year, give the gift of health and nutrition. Donate your time, resources, or make a financial gift to this worthy cause, and help families thrive… during the holidays and throughout the year.

Serve those who serve you

From trash collectors and delivery people to those we hire to keep our lawns green or our homes clean, here are some ideas to spread some holiday cheer.

• Provide hot chocolate and treats: Set up a thermos or hot beverage dispenser with disposable cups/tops and a box of donuts or individually wrapped holiday treats. Live in a warmer climate? Leave a cooler with water, juice, etc.

• Buy a 10-pack of Starbucks gift cards: These start at $5 and go right on up. It’s easier to hand out but still says you care. Or, support a local business and purchase their gift cards.

• Give warmth for as little as $2 each: Order knit scarves or hats in bulk to help keep workers comfortable.

Share the song in your heart

It’s all about community and connections for all ages!

Bring your neighbors and friends together for a chilly night’s lawn party. Set up your (or your neighbors') portable firepits, put out some folding chairs, and invite everyone for an hour of hot chocolate, s’mores, a cookie swap, and caroling. Canned food donations can also be collected.

It’s a wrap

One more easy idea? Contact your local senior centers and residential communities to volunteer to wrap gifts for those who no longer can.

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How giving will save your life!

The adage that, “it’s better to give than receive” has significant scientific backing. It has emotional and neurological benefits, and helps strengthen community. And aside from the endorphin rush, community is one of the biggest factors to living longer and healthier.

Gift giving is healthy for animals too! Perhaps for none more than some male spiders, who give their mate a web-wrapped bug meal to convince her not to eat him.

We hope that doesn’t sound like the holidays at your house. But if it does, start on that web-weaving or attack plan now, whichever the case may be.

Fun with food: Four-ingredient Sugar Cookie Truffles

This is a perfect, easy-to-make gift for the holidays (but don’t feel guilty about keeping some for yourself). This recipe was adapted from I Heart Naptime.

Ingredients

• 12-15 sugar cookies (the author uses the 5-ounce bag of Pepperidge Farms)

• 2-3 ounce cream cheese, softened

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups chocolate melting wafers (in color(s) of your choice)

• Optional: Sprinkles of your choice

Directions

1. Start by blending the cookies in a blender or food processor. You want them to turn into super fine crumbs. Add the cream cheese and vanilla and pulse until the mixture is combined.

2. Scoop out the mixture with a small cookie scoop or spoon and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (usually takes about 20 minutes).

3. Melt the chocolate until smooth, then place the truffle on a fork and dip it into the bowl of melted chocolate. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.

4. Place truffle on the baking sheet and immediately add sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Work fast… they harden quickly!

Now take a taste and decide if you need to make another batch just for yourself.

The Next Level: Grammercy Tavern’s Gingerbread

Want to try something a little more advanced? Here's a wonderful gingerbread cake to gift that scents your home with warm spices. The Guinness Stout that's used caramelizes and adds deep caramel undertones.

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