Consumerism drives the holiday season. Corporations grow larger and richer as many people sink further and further into debt. Is this what all those cozy holiday songs are really about? Shouldn’t the holidays be about more than just buying things? This year, a new Twitter initiative is happen.

#GivingTuesday is all about charity, fundraising, and finding ways to give back, teach, learn, and help those in need. #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27th, and you should be there.

How to Join #GivingTuesday

Anyone can take part in #GivingTuesday. Just think or find a way to give. If you already give something to the world around you, use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to share your ideas with the Twitter community at large. Anyone tuning into the #GivingTuesday thread will see what you or your company is all about. Even if you are just one person, you can give. Give your time, donate funds to help a cause, bring a skill to people in need, or offer to help a local charity or organization.

Got an Etsy shop or make something outrageously awesome? Why not give a few of your handmade items to senior citizens who’d love to get a card or a box of cookies? Do you have a skill that charities and organizations could benefit from? Offer to donate your skill to that group – you’ll be rewarded with smiles and thanks. No matter what line of work you are in or what you do for a living, you can always give, and that’s what’s so great about #GivingTuesday.

Hundreds of large corporations and organizations have already joined the #GivingTuesday initiative. The #GivingTuesday idea has already been written about in major publications, and thousands are planning on taking part in a major global giving movement this coming Tuesday. If you wan to join but have no idea how to give, you can learn from the #GivingTuesday environment too. Send the word out about what you do, how you want to help, and ask the world if they have any ideas for you. I assure you, giving is easy – and rewarding.

When, Where, and How

#GivingTuesday officially takes place on November 27th, but you can start marketing your ideas for this important day now. Let your Facebook friends know that you plan to take part in the movement, tell your clients about the upcoming day, let people know why it’s important to give and to help others around you.

Even though the world seems large and it’s hard to know how to give, Twitter is making this process a lot easier. In today’s world, you don’t need to leave your home (or your pajamas) in order to give back.

Will you join the global community on November 27th for #GivingTuesday? Take a look at the #GivingTuesday website for additional information. On this site, you can also see the many organizations and companies that are taking part this coming week. Make your holiday about giving, not buying or receiving. There’s no better feeling than making someone else’s holiday dreams come true.