My wife and I thought it would be a good idea to battle the consumerist side of the season with an act of compassion.

Carry some extra goodies in your car. Bottled water, canned food, home made food, blankets or clothing, anything useful will do. There is no need to wrap it.

Next time you see a homeless person give him/her something. No cash. Give something that took at least a little thought.

"hmm, that person looks hungry. A lunchables for him". "That woman looks cold. That blanket we don't need any longer would sure be a nice gift".

Remember to make it something that will actually be useful to a homeless person. Clean water and food. Clothing and portable bedding. If you have some old blankets or jackets you were thinking of donating, carry one or two of them with you tomorrow.

I may not be Christian, but the idea of this holiday is not lost on me. If everyone who gets this gives just one homeless person one gift. That would make a miracle.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Dan and Zoe Hoffman