For many Jamaicans, it's been one of the toughest years in a long time. This is certainly true for me. But, one thing I know for sure - we are a resilient set of people who, at heart, are also very generous, and most of us will still find ways to share with loved ones and the less fortunate.

So, if we used to buy cakes, we will take the time to make them this year. If we gave big cakes in the past, we will give smaller ones this year. If we packaged them in beautiful Christmas-themed tins, we will use cellophane and tie them with ribbons we have saved over time. Yes, there are ways to give that will not hurt.

Most precious of all will be the gifts of our time and talent; hence if we can sing, let's do it at the church concert this year. If we can sew, let's make some dresses for orphaned girls at a home. Fabric can be bought very inexpensively at stores such as Pablo's and Hurry-Hurry. If we can make cards or paint, let's do a few small paintings for friends who cannot afford an original right now.

GIFT IDEAS

For those readers who still have some cash to spend, Flair has scouted the shops and come up with some ideas for our annual GIFT IDEAS editions. This year, we will have three, and the first is for shoppers with limited budgets. The pages this week are filled with items that will not run you much more than $3,000. The next edition will be published on Monday November 30.

Don't forget that it's the thought that counts so, make sure you give something the receiver really needs this year.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com