Column: Let’s have a well-rounded season of good cheer for all

Even less, I can’t remember gifts I have given. But over the years there are two gifts I do remember.

My mother, when I was 13, took it upon herself to give me the gift of charity. I desperately wanted a pair of Levi jeans; instead she gave me a sister, from an African nation who I was to write to each month and I would receive a letter back. My mother made a contribution to the charity in order that I would have this privilege.

I remember being so upset. But I diligently set out to write to my “sister” each month. She was horrendously poor and I learned that my mother’s donation not only helped her, but also went toward supplies for her entire village.

I don’t know what happened to her but I do know I was changed forever. For the first time in my over privileged life I began to learn of humility. I began to learn gratitude for all that I had, and compassion for those who had less.

The second present I remember is along the same lines. Charity. My dear friend, Jeremy, one Christmas, gave a gift to our entire family. Once again it was centred on a poor village in Africa. Jeremy made a donation in our name so that the village midwife could have a bicycle.

Strange - I remember I laughed out loud at the eccentricity - but I soon saw the generosity and necessity of his gift.

This year as the season of giving is upon us, I find myself being deeply affected by the plethora of television commercials urging me to give generously. These commercials pull on my heart strings and purse strings in equal measure. I know that I am going to give I just don’t know where.

I really like the idea of giving in the name of someone else. But I feel frozen, I can only give so much… so where should I begin?

I have discussed it with my husband and we have come up with a handy solution. We are going to give each of our sons a budget. We are also going to allot money for ourselves. The four of us can then decide individually where we would like to make our charity spend.

We are going to have a discussion about this at our Christmas meal. My hope is that it will make for some interesting conversation.

My husband has a heart condition so I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t donate to the British Heart Foundation. I am particularly moved by the commercials about a lack of clean water in many places.

I think I might give to Water Aid. If I had to guess I would say that one of my sons will donate to an animal charity and the other to a homeless organisation.

I feel inspired by my solution to appease my need to share. I hope these ideas will help make our Christmas a properly well rounded season of good cheer.

Don’t forget to enjoy the solstice and Merry Christmas to you all.