I'm all about the sentiment of the season, where the thought counts. I'm an advocate of gifting because of sincere need to give them, not because of obligation. That being said, I tend to gift quite a bit. But I like giving something that has meaning.

What was your favorite holiday gift ever? Was it one of the big ticket items, or something that required some thought and effort?

There are only three Christmas gifts I remember getting without burning neurons, and the first one is always the best one. My brother brought me venison. I lived in Boston at the time, and getting venison would have been a very pricey deal indeed. There were times growing up when hunting wasn't just sport. He had to keep it frozen in a long road trip and take up space in family's freezer until Christmas night.

It required planning, and knowing what I liked. I was the only one who got the venison. I don't remember anything else I got that year, but I do remember the tasty meals I made, and after moving in January, rushing back to my old place to get the last of it out of the old freezer. I can't remember anything else I got that year, but I still talk about that venison. Wait. I think I remember some cheap costume jewelry I never wore.

Someone could have given me a 52" Plasma TV or a diamond tiara and I wouldn't have been as impressed. So Michael, if you're reading this, thanks again for the venison.

I challenge you to make the effort to find a gift that means something special, not just a big price tag or is the most popular gift of the season.