The Best Part of the Holiday Season
![Oprah and Ellen Oprah and Ellen](https://static.oprah.com/images/omag/200912-omag-cover-101-290x218.jpg)
Photo: Ruven Afanador
Want to be happy? Give a little. Want to be happier? Give a lot. Research shows that simple acts of generosity
boost our immune systems, relieve pain, even make our hearts stronger.
But the people in these stories—from a woman with 150 names on her holiday gift list to an
entire community of philanthropic surfers—didn't need scientists to tell them that.
The Benefits of Giving Back ![Gift box](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-gift-machine-120x90.jpg)
We grew up being told that it's better to give than to receive. And now science has the proof. A guide to what's in it for you.
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"A gift is your way of expressing how you feel about another person." — Oprah
![money](https://static.oprah.com/relationships/images/rel_money_120.jpg)
One of the best things you can do with your money is give some away. The payoffs of paying it forward.
10 Stories of Giving
![Joan Hornig](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-joan-hornig-120x90.jpg)
A jewelry maker who gives 100 percent of her profits go to charity. A cookie business that raises funds for pediatric cancer. Meet the real women behind these businesses, and find out how they've turned their dreams into reality.
![Giving money](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-money-stack-120x90.jpg)
The bible tells us to give 10 percent of our earnings to charity. But what if you actually did it? A.J. Jacobs on the pleasure (and pain) of tithing.
![Barton Brooks](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-uganda-120x90.jpg)
The worldwide impact that one adventurous man can make. Get ready to meet Barton Brooks.
![Laird Hamilton](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-laird-hamilton-120x90.jpg)
For surfers, philanthropy is genetic. And for Laird Hamilton, it was a reason to paddle 110 miles across the Pacific.
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If you thought your holiday shopping list was daunting, consider this: Amanda Vega has 150 people—and counting—on hers. Here's how she gets it all done.
![Red gift boxes](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-giving-blood-120x90.jpg)
Albert Fischer started donating pints of his O-positive when Truman was president, and has continued to do so every 56 days—for 58 years.
![Christmas tree](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-christmas-tree-2-120x90.jpg)
The doll Mark Leyner gave his daughter for Christmas ten years ago refused to go away. Now his family can't imagine the holidays without her.
Where to Spend Your Money
![Jimmy Belasco cards](https://static.oprah.com/images/200812/omag/200812_omag_candles_120x90.jpg)
We've sought out eye-catching and adorable presents with proceeds that go to charity. Here's where to shop for a change.
![Charity box](https://images.oprah.com/omagazine/200712/images/omag_200712_donate_120x90.jpg)
Before you open your checkbook, make sure you know where your money is going. Here's what to look for, or see these eight great charities we love.
![Charity box](https://static.oprah.com/omagazine/200712/images/omag_200712_gift120x90.jpg)
Each year between Thanksgiving and New Year's, Americans pitch an estimated 25 million tons of extra trash. Here are five easy tips for wrapping green.
PLUS:
![Gift box](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-gift-illos-105-120x90.jpg)
The Statue of Liberty, a priceless painting and more of the best gifts, well, ever.
![Gift box](https://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/200912-omag-gift-illos-102-120x90.jpg)
16 stumpers from puzzle mastermind Will Shortz.