Many repotters have told us that one of their primary motivations in undertaking their repotting journey was their strong desire to give back. And since the concept of giving is also at the forefront of many people’s goals during the holidays, we’d like to offer a few suggestions—whether it’s a cash donation, goods or services, or your time—that may make this season more meaningful for you and your family. Here are a few suggestions:

-Toys for Tots—why not make a family effort to collect toys for this long-established cause sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, nationwide, and the Salvation Army in Washington, D.C.

-Local Food Banks—Safeway and other grocery chains operate food banks during the holidays for the needy or homeless. Check with your local grocer to find a program that suits you.

-Donating Your Time—Check with Meals on Wheels and other charities that offer opportunities for families to cook and distribute food to those in need during the holidays. Or, take your family to a home for senior citizens, a children’s hospital, local nursing facility, or homeless center to spend time reading, chatting, or sharing good cheer with people in need.

-Global Giving—There are many worthwhile organizations engaged in helping refugees, families and children in distressed areas throughout the world. Whether your interest is in Darfur, Sierra Leone, or Bangladesh, your contribution can make a difference. If you want help in getting started, go to either: www.globalgiving.org, or www.refugeesinternational.org.

During the holidays many of the time management issues that we grapple with on a day-to-day basis loom even larger, as “to do” lists grow but our time bank does not keep pace. For those who are caring for an aging parent or ill relative, the stress of managing holiday festivities and traditions can be even more overwhelming. So we want to offer a list of resources from a recent Wall Street Journal article to help caregivers during this holiday season: www.thefamilycaregiver.org; www.caregiving.org; www.caregiver.org; www.Respite.org; and www.aarp.org/families/caregiving/.

We are looking forward to our presentations at Canyon Ranch, in Lenox, Massachusetts on December 14th and 15th as part of Canyon Ranch’s “Celebrate You” weekend for young, professional women. As we said earlier, “repotting” and spas go hand in hand!

We hope you’ll find time this month to reflect on those things that are fulfilling and meaningful to you. We wish you a successful repotting journey in 2008!

Diana & Ginger