I was having a chat with my 6 year old regarding what he thought Santa would bring him for Christmas. He started out by listing all the things that he wanted (a Leapster game and a Lego game for the family Wii) and then started to talk about what he thought he would give his siblings and mom for Christmas.

He immediately stated that, of course the Lego game would be shared with his brother - and his sister, too, if they really wanted.

There was a part of me was hoping he would say that he wanted to give to those who didn’t have as much as that would make me proud. It happened, but a bit of coaxing was required and once he got rolling he couldn’t seem to stop. He would have been willing to give away the family van if he could have figured out a way. I quickly moved the conversation in a different direction because, knowing him, he was already working on it.

The episode made me stop and take stock of what I was doing this Christmas and whether I was helping or if I needed a bit of a nudge. Maybe we could all use a nudge this time of the year. Things get pretty crazy at home trying to shop for everyone on your list, preparing for going out of town to visit relatives, baking favorite Christmas cookies (my personal favorite) or decorating. That doesn’t include all the craziness that is going on for a lot of folks who are working their tails off trying to save their companies.

With all the hustle around us I would like to take this time to nudge each of you to do what you can to help this holiday season. As a member of VISI’s charitable board, I’d like to plug an organization that we are helping this Christmas. The organization is called PROP or People Reaching Out to Other People and as you can imagine, they would sure appreciate donations. While there is always a need for food, they also have a need for personal care items such as toilet paper, tissues, tooth brushes, deodorant, feminine products, shampoo and conditioner. Please feel free to drop off your donations at our office in Eden Prairie, 10290 70th Street West and we will make sure they get to the folks at PROP.

This time of year is about giving as much as it is about receiving and as my son says, “it makes his heart feel good” when he gives so I hope you’ll make your heart feel good.

Happy Holidays!