This post is about one of my favorite Christmas memories. What’s yours?

I’m not entirely sure how I first tripped across this project. I think it might have been a Twitter post, but maybe not. Doesn’t matter, really. I’m just glad that I found it, and now I can share it.

It’s called the MOTHER LETTER PROJECT and, in his own words, here’s what this husband is doing:

I am creating my wife’s Christmas present-the Mother Letter Project. Simply stated, I am collecting a series of “open letters” from mothers, to mothers. Share your stories—no matter how raw or difficult. Share you concerns—no matter how foolish they may seem. Share your wisdom—no matter how you came by it. Share your mother story. The only request? Start the letter “Dear Mother” and sign it. I will compile all of the letters in a Christmas book for my wife.

I have no idea as to the identity of this man or his wife, but God bless him! What a husband and father. If you want to participate, here’s the link: The Mother Letter Project.

I think it’s a book waiting to happen…and you could be in it…

Every Christmas I face the same dilemma. What people want, I can’t afford. What I can afford, they don’t want. Fortunately, my granddaughters aren’t in that category–yet. But the reality is, as I wander store aisles and cruise through the thirty pounds of catalogs at my house, there’s little, if anything, we NEED.

What we WANT, well that brings me back to the dilemma. On my Fictionary blog, where I feature author interviews, book reviews, and product tours, I was asked if I wanted to take part in “a different kind of blog tour.”  And, of course, “different” sucks me right in, and I’m grateful it did.

The blog tour introduced Hands of Hope and their Christmas gift card program.

Hands of Hope, Women Helping Women, helps mobilize communities to respond to the needs of women and children around the world. With an ever-expanding support base in the Chicago area, Hands of Hope works to raise community awareness regarding poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa and its relevance globally.

Their Holiday Gift Cards are available for purchase. These cards provide food, income and water for impoverished women and children in Zambia, Uganda, and Southern Sudan. They can be purchased on the Hands of Hope website for $15.00, $30.00 and $50.00. Purchasing these cards will provide goats, chickens or wells to help change lives. What could be a more meaningful gift for holiday giving for family, friends, and customer appreciation?

Check out HANDS OF HOPE and their gift card program for Christmas. I mean, really, are you going to find chicken, goats, and wells for sale at WalMart? No shipping, no gift wrapping, and one size fits all.