This year, my son suggested we really cut back on gifting for Christmas because he has a few unexpected expenses and can't really afford a lot of gifts. I'm so fine with that! So I told them that I would prefer they purchase something from just a couple of specific businesses I would like to see patronized, or they could give a small amount to charities I like--in this case the Northeast Organic Farming Association, NRDC, and the Bowery Mission--I just recently learned that my father died on the street, homeless, found on a cold, rainy night outside of 4 Spring Street, which is right around the corner from the Bowery Mission. Coincidentally, I volunteered for them on MLK Day a few years back. I just know my father probably availed himself of those services, so I would like to help them provide services and meals to other men and women like my father.