Attention last minute shoppers . . .

If, like me, you have waited until the last few days before Christmas to find that special something for loved ones, I have some kindly intended advice: fogettaboutit.

It's long past shipping deadlines and most of the department stores have probably been completely picked over. It's just too late (and I am talking mostly to you men planning to run off on Christmas Eve). Go home, be with your family, fire up the yule log, and make a donation to a worthy charity your thoughtful gift this year. Less craziness for you, more good for a world in need, particularly in a year when charitable giving may be driving off a cliff.

Here's some ideas in no particular order:

Catholic Campaign for Human Development [1]

Caritas Internationalis [2]

Catholic Charities [3]

Catholic Relief Services [4]

Oxfam [5]
[6]

Heifer Project [6]
[7]

Bread for the World [7]
[8]

Redefine Christmas [8]

Doctors without borders [9]

Cross international [10]

Food for the poor [11]

Also take a gander at this recent news post on fair trade and alternative gift-giving [12].

Merry Christmas to you. God bless all here.

Bonus Christmas surprise! [13]