“Every year, in lieu of a Christmas present, my mother gives my partner, my three stepchildren, and me a set amount of money to donate to the charity or good cause of our individual choice. I think this gesture of my mother's embodies the true spirit of giving, and to me is more meaningful and lasting more than any of material gift. It has helped to generate discussion with the children about causes, has encouraged the two older ones to make regular charitable donations of their own.”