There is something about the holiday season that prompts us to open our wallets and hearts to give to a charitable organization. Maybe it's related to the gratefulness that we feel when surrounded by a loving family in a warm home. Or maybe it's that the looming end to the tax year encourages us to meet the charitable contribution deduction limits. Whatever the reason, the season of giving is almost here.

I, too, find myself opening my wallet more for others during the holidays. I tend to donate more to homeless pets during the rest of year, but during the holidays I cannot bear to think of a child who does not have a pile of gifts on Christmas morning. I realize that I am incredibly fortunate to have grown up in a house where I always knew that I would have gifts under the tree on Christmas morning, in a warm house filled with love and laughter. I hope that I may always be able to offer my daughter the same luxury, while also helping underprivileged children experience the magic of Christmas.

It will come as no surprise that one of my favorite charities is Stepp'n Up, which provides shoes to children in South Florida. If you are searching for a new charity to contribute to, please consider working with them.

What are your favorite holiday charities to donate to? Leave a comment on my blog with your favorite charity and I will choose one to make a donation to.