Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated this December 6^th (this Sunday). What a great weekend to host an eco holiday party with a sharing and giving back theme. According to legend, St. Nick a forerunner of today’s Santa- inspired medieval nuns to anonymously deposit baskets of food and clothes on the doorsteps of the needy.

In keeping with this generous spirit, select a local charity and invite party guests to bring donations- toiletry kits, or canned food for a homeless shelter, pet food for an animal shelter, clothes for a women’s shelter. Is there a nursing home in your hood? Create a gift basket with note cards and pens, fruit, magazines, books and tea. Sign the card, “Happy Holidays from your neighbors on XX Street!”

Or Turn your party into a fund-raiser. Collect a modest cover charge and organize a silent auction. Auction donations can be as practical as babysitting services, or yard work, running an errand for someone. Simpler still is a raffle. Does someone have a vacation house they can offer for a weekend? Be creative, you’ll be amazed at what people are willing to raffle off. Sell the tickets for $5 bucks and watch the cash pile up. Make sure to ask your guests to sign a card that will accompany your charitable donation.

Hosting a party where the focus is on gifts to charity is lieu of exchanging presents is a great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoy good food and give back to those less fortunate. Let me know how you plan on giving back this holiday season, in our comment section. I’d love to hear your ideas.