December has always been my favorite month. Really it’s no surprise given that my birthday is the 11th and duh! Christmas. It’s always been a smorgasbord of presents and attention.
But really, I’m about to be twenty-five. Like a quarter of a century. Like it’s time for me to grow the eff up.
So in honor of growing up and being an adult, this year we’re donating money for Christmas. Because during economic downturns, the non-profit groups get hit the hardest. Which is something you hear all the time, but still don’t take action. At least I know we don’t. So we’re using this holiday as our catalyst to spread our good fortune with others. One of the first places we donated was the honors program at the college I graduated from. As for the charities, we still have to decide on that one. It’s all so overwhelming! Do I want to help the puppies at the SPCA or what about the starving children? Or diseases? There are so many people and animals and causes that need help in any way.
So here’s my proposition, anyone out there that was already planning on getting me a birthday or Christmas gift. You? Yes you. Mom or Cale? No, not you guys. You’re not off the hook. 
Instead of spending the money you were going to spend on me, choose your favorite charity and send it that way. At a loss for where to donate? Well I’ve got just the place for you:
This upcoming July 10-11th I’m participating in the Avon Walk in San Francisco. I’m pretty excited about it. It’s two days where we walk a marathon the first day and a half marathon the next. All to raise money for breast cancer research. A sea of pink will be crossing the golden gate bridge and weaving through the streets of Marin. I’ve never committed myself to something of this magnitude, but I’m glad to do so for such a great cause. I have quite a large sum to fund raise, so if you’re at a loss at what to get me for Christmas or my birthday, please donate towards my walk; it’s tax deductible (if you itemize) and goes to a much better cause.
Until then, I’ll just be getting my booty in shape because walking 39 miles? yowzers.
P.S. Since when is it already December? Seriously?
Tags: Health, Holidays, Important Stuff, My Happiness
Wow, that is incredibly selfless and amazing of you (wouldn’t expect any less of my greatest friend in the world). Such an awesome idea, Steph.
…Can I do both though?
Ditto @ Morgan!!
My aunt gave us money for Christmas, to do some type of “good deed”, I also need an idea for that….I few years ago I sponsored a kennel at the SPCA. Pooooor wittle animals!
I remember how she does that! I may steal her idea when I’m a mommy. Hmm you could buy manicures and pedicures for the ladies in the old folks home.. (I used to volunteer at Glenwood (?) Gardens). They used to love getting them. Seriously they would come back and show off their nails.
Or you could buy tuition for a class of third graders
That’s awesome that you’re doing that — a co-worker of mine does that every year. We have the same name and both of our Birthdays are in December! (mine’s on the 18th) and I’ll be 25 too! Where the hell has the time gone? I swear I remember just turning 21.
25’s not so bad.
I’m so proud of you for doing the Avon walk, I did the 3 Day this past October and i’m doing it in 2010 as well as a half marathon race for the cure. 
You would be surprised how fast the 26 miles on day one flies by. It hurts like no other the second day, but it’s the best experience EVER in the world. You have people cheering you on and pushing you to keep going and you really know you’re making a difference. 
aww that is such a great idea! Good for you gettin your charity on!
Wow, that’s incredible Steph! Good for you guys. Giving to those in need makes this time of year all the more special
Congrats on that commitment, and on the donating for Christmas idea! I used to work for a small not for profit and is was so, incredibly hard to scrounge up money- you are doing amazing good =)
Wow, that’s great, Steph. Super inspiring.
That’s a great idea; this Christmas season I’m donating money to several different charities and items of need to a few more to do my part to help out during this time.
If you would like to receive “blog love” and a holiday card, email me your address! Congrats on the commitment to walk 39 miles but I bet you can do it! =)
Kudos to you Steph!
It’s so great you’re helping out charities when they really need it, not to mention participating in the Avon Walk. Whoa — 39 miles!? That is super impressive! Go Steph Go! You are a total rock star!
Thanks for this reminder post to help out those in need (including puppies!) in our communities!
I know this is wrong, but I laughed at that tagline, “for the love of jugs.” XD But this is a very nice awareness anyway.
Happy birthday/Merry Christmas to you!