For many, the week after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. The Friday after Thanksgiving is historically the busiest shopping day of the year. It's the unofficial start of what retailers dub the "season of giving". In these tough economic times, I suggest that we change our attitude and get into a more meaningful spirit of giving.

I know it might sound cliché but the greatest gift is giving.  Maybe this holiday season you could write a holiday letter letting those close to you know how you feel about them and what they mean in your life. Maybe you could give a helping hand to a good cause and "gift it" by doing so in their honor. I once received a card letting me know someone participated in Habitat for Humanity in the name of my Office and I was honored.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could give with greater meaning? I encourage you to think about meaningful and creative gifts this holiday season. Give a baby stroller permit to a new or expectant mother, a digital TV tuner to someone who doesn't have a flat screen TV, or a SunPass to those who complain about waiting at tolls.

On this website, see the Ultimate Holiday Survival Guide for more than 100 unique and inexpensive gift ideas designed to help residents' pockets this holiday season. Also, take advantage of sales opportunities, learn about gift card pros and cons, shopping dos and dont's and holiday safety on the Consumer Services Department's web page. 

Give the gift of life - blood. Give attention - physical and mental energy to those you love. Send out positive thoughts and blessings to your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Give encouragement and inspiration. Give a listening ear, and when solicited, give good advice. Give a smile to everyone you see. Give laughter.