HAPPY Holidays! Yes, the festive season definitely crept up on us, and now we're here - Christmas. Last week we lamented our tendency to shop, shop, shop, and to forget the real meaning of Christmas. I have noticed that the trend continues. People have looked at me funny when I've suggested that they simply STOP buying gifts and give the gift of themselves, their time, to others. Maybe it's me; but I think not. I think I've got it right and that the masses have it all wrong.

More on this after the top 20.

Leaping to number one is Run It by Chris Brown. This track is hyped and catchy, and it is doing well in international charts. You gotta like the beat. Up to number two is Unbreakable by Alicia Keys. Tumbling to number three is Lighters Up by L'il Kim. This is a very cool hip hop/dancehall track that is popular. Down to number four is Soul Survivor by Young Jeezy featuring Akon. Falling to number five is Girl Tonite by Twista featuring Trey Songz.

Moving on up to number six is I Think They Like Me by Dem Franchize Boyz featuring Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat and Bow Wow. This track currently sits atop Billboard and many other international charts. Advancing to number seven is I'm Sprung by T-Pain and shifting to dancehall, up to number eight is Sean Paul with his latest hit entitled We Be Burnin'.

Improving to number nine is One Wish, by RayJay, Brandy's baby brother. Soaring to number 10 is I Should Have Cheated by Keyshia Cole. Jumping to number 11 is Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia featuring Young Buck and Eightball and MJF. You must check out this new hit. Sneaking up to number 12 is There It Go (The Whistle Song) by Juelz Santana. Juelz's stuff is off the hook; you gotta like the beats, they slam.

Slipping to number 13 is Play by David Banner and on a Gospel tip, tumbling to number 14 is the up-tempol hit by Rev. Kirk Franklin, entitled Looking for You. Rev. Kirk was on Oprah the other day, sharing his challenges. Even Reverends need prayer. Don't forget that nobody is perfect.

Now some new joints. Vastly improving to number 15 is last week's essential new joint, Here We Go by Trina featuring Kelly Rowland, one of the cuties from Destiny's Child. Now this week's essential new hit. In at number 16 it's Don't Forget About Us by Mariah Carey, who has quietly been one of the most productive artists in 2005 and produced an awesome CD, spawning five hit singles. This latest one kicks too.

Now another slammin hip hop track. New at number 17 is Window Shopper by 50 Cent, who in no time at all has established himself as an industry power player. This is continued excellence from an artist with a recipe for success; his voice atop a killer beat. Nuff said. Down to number 18 is Gold Digger by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx. Slipping to number 19 is Shake It Off by Mariah Carey. And rounding things out at number 20 is Pon De Replay, by Rihanna.

Now back to this week's word - how do we curb our unnecessary spending?

I promise to continue to beat this drum until we take back control of our wallets, our money, our time, our values and get back to the real meaning of Christmas.

We, as a society, have missed the point. I will confess that normally I try not to give money to beggars, as my view has been that they should get a job and work like most of us.

However, I was at House of India last Sunday night, treating the family to some delicious Indian cuisine (you have to adore Indian food). Leaving with my take-out bag full of food, I was accosted by a perennial beggar who operates in that area.

My first inclination was to tell him to get away. Then I remembered the verse in the Bible (Matthew 25: 40) which reads, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me".

So, what do you think I did? I gave the gentleman all the remaining change in my pocket. He thanked me. Then I told him that he needed to get a job, sort out his life and gave him a number of suggestions. He ran on a whole list of excuses, but my point was made.

You have no idea how wonderful I felt after I gave to him and had that brief exchange. The moral of that story is that it is far better to give to those who are less fortunate and that by giving we receive amazing blessings as well as the love of God.

We don't know the reason that people are in the predicament in which they find themselves and, since none of us is perfect, we are not qualified to judge others.

This, to me, is true Christian living and represents the real meaning of Christmas. I get far less out of shopping and giving gifts to those who are doing OK, than the blessings I received from giving to this beggar. I invite you to try it and just see how great a feeling comes over you from doing just a simple act of benevolence, kindness and love.

So, my prayer for this Christmas is that people will save their money, spend less, pay their already overdue bills before going on shopping sprees they cannot afford, and give the gift of their self, their time and their love, not only to immediate family and friends, but to strangers and others in need.

May God continue to bless all of you, so that you may bless others.

And may we always remember that it is far better to give, than to receive.

Peace on earth, goodwill to all.