So you're unemployed and bummed out about not having enough scratch to afford a halfway decent HanuKwanzmas for your family. Not that it's any consolation, but you're not alone. At least one other person knows the feeling: me.

What helps me feel better is the realization that even though I don't have money for the latest plastic toys hand-made by Santa's little elves in sweatworkshops in a far away land called China, I still have a lot to give.

Below are

Ten wonderful presents to give even if you're flat broke:

1. Money! Well, OK, maybe not dollars, but if you define "money" as an acceptable medium of exchange or a promise of payment for some debt, then you can absolutely give money even if you don't have dollars. Cut an ordinary piece of paper up, put a picture of yourself in the middle and numbers in the corners, and delineate the terms: "This note is good for 1 back rub, guaranteed by the Bank of Pookie Bear (or whatever)." The recipient can collect on their back rub at any time, simply by handing you the note. You can even make money for your kids -- "Good for one lawn mowing by Dad."
2. Make a card. You'd be surprised at how creative you can be and how appreciative the recipient will be.
3. Knit something for somebody. My grandmother used to do this for us every year, and her mittens, hats, and scarves were among my favorite gifts year after year.
4. Write a song or a poem. These can be among the most appreciated gifts because you really have to put yourself out to the person in a courageous way that shows you really love them or think they're cool in some way.
5. Build a scratching post. For the cat lovers in your life, you really can't go wrong with a custom scratching post for their beloved kitty. Just cobble together some scrap lumber and carpeting scraps in some creative way. It will bring years of joy to any domesticated feline and save their owners several furniture re-upholstering episodes.
6. Dust something off and pass it along. We all have too much stuff. Surely there is something in the back of your closet that someone in your life would appreciate madly.
7. Make a toy. It could be a stuffed creature made from rags. It could be blocks. Kids love toys, and they'll love the ones you make for them best of all!
8. Bake something. 'Nuff said.
9. Pass along seeds. Maybe you have some heirloom tomato seeds kicking around. Put them to good use! Personally, I'd love a handful of good watermelon seeds. Seems like ten years since I had a real watermelon... and it probably has been.
10. Stuff a stocking with all kinds of free and cheap things. You could put promotional pens, coffee mugs and other items given out by businesses in there -- maybe even some stuff you got from you former employer! You could put a political button that you no longer need in there. There are lots of fun little things.

Whether or not any of those ideas work for you, and whether you celebrate Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, may the magic of this season fill you and yours with joy!