Gifting unique experiences such as travel, fine dining, and spa treatments are often welcomed and appreciated more than physical gifts. The things that people experience through this kind of gift will be intangible but just as precious.

This season is the season of giving. Nearly everyone will plan on giving their loved ones something to make them happy and to demonstrate your love. But what of the others, those less fortunate? Who will make them smile and bring them happiness this season?

Livingsocial.com, a company that offers experiences such as holiday vacations, unique cuisine, cooking classes and other experiences, has launched a program called the 12 Days of Giving which will benefit DonorsChoose.org and GlobalLiving. One percent of each Daily Deal purchased go to worthy causes worldwide. With GlobalLiving, shoppers can decide what their donations would fund such as conservation of wildlife and resources or access of the less fortunate to medical services. On the other hand, DonorsChoose.org is concerned with improving public education by giving school supplies to public schools.  The 12 Days of Giving program runs from December 12 through the 24th.

The 12 Days of Giving is a way of bringing happiness not just for your loved ones but for everyone. After all, sharing happiness is the essence of this season.

One purpose of education is to gain knowledge and the necessary skills and training in order to land a great-paying job. Indeed, that may be the reason why most people go to college. They dream of a nice comfortable house and a car to go along with it that a high-paying job can provide.

Education can provide you with the skills and knowledge that enable you to achieve your aims in life. It can be a great equalizer, enabling you to get a shot at your dreams.

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation (www.louiefamilyfoundation.org) helps young people to realize their dreams by giving scholarships. They have granted a $4,000.00 scholarship to 25 youths throughout the United States coming from diverse backgrounds and economic circumstances. Choosing the recipients of the scholarship was difficult as many students have applied due to economic and financial hardship they face.

The scholars were chosen based on their academic record, work ethic, demonstrated maturity, community service and financial need. The foundation gave extra consideration to the underprivileged and underserved youths and to the children of US veterans.

By giving these youths a better education, Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation provide them an opportunity to better their lives.

True, education opens up opportunities that would lead to the realization of dreams. But, we must remember that education is not restricted to school. Education also comes from the values we learn through our family and through the mistakes that we have made. This kind of education that is not learned from books is vital to the growth and development of our principles and morals and character, as it opens up our minds and enables us to understand and respect other people. This kind of education enables us to be aware and address the many issues that surround us.