Memes, they're not just for mischief

suricattus is asking folks to consider sending e-cards instead of holiday cards, and then donating the money you've saved to charity. It's the best idea for a meme I've heard in a while, so I'm passing it along.

I'm glad she did this, since it's something that wouldn't have occurred to me to post. It's probably my Yankee upbringing that says you don't talk about money, and you never talk about charity. It's simply assumed that if you have a bit to spare, you'll share it with others. And you keep your mouth shut, so no one ever has to know which years you were the giver, and which years you were the givee.

But in the spirit of the meme, I'll report that as I do each year, I started my Christmas shopping by writing checks. The community food bank gets a nice donation each year, as do two other worthy charities. To me, this is what the holidays are all about. Being able to help others is a great feeling, one I cling to as I'm standing in the endless lines at the mall, or battling the traffic on the Parkway.

And if you're wondering what to get me--a donation to your favorite charity works just fine. Though I wouldn't say No to a nice pair of socks.