I like shopping as much as any girl, but I can’t stand to be in the midst of a giant crowd. So, I do most of my shopping via the Internet. And I love to spend the time to find the perfect present for every person on my list. Without even consciously doing so, it seems that I’ve become “green” in my Christmas shopping habits. I don’t drive to the mall or millions of other specialty stores and I try to find gifts that won’t be stuck on a shelf or forgotten by next Christmas or worst—thrown away! My favorite present that I’ve purchased this year is for my oldest daughter, Isabella. She and I share a love for animals. Our favorite show to watch together is Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. We laugh and cry as different events affect the lives of our favorite meerkats. And yes, we definitely have our favorites. Our goal is to one day, through the Earthwatch Institute, take a trip to the Kalahari and work with the researchers who monitor the meerkats. Until then, I adopted a meerkat in her name through the World Wildlife Fund. I know it will be her favorite gift. I’ve been so excited about it that it has been hard to keep it a secret. So I spilled the beans here (hopefully she won’t read this entry until after Christmas). Similarly, the last few years, we have donated to a charity in our clients’ names instead of giving yet another gift basket. It helps our community and keeps those unwanted holiday pounds off your thighs! So think about something unusual this year for those on your gift list. I’ll bet it will be something they’ll always remember. - Rochelle Barcellona

http://www.worldwildlife.org
http://www.earthwatch.org

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