I can't handle those pre-Halloween Thanksgiving/Christmas celebrators. Nothing drives me crazier than Christmas songs on the radio on Halloween night or Christmas specials and sales alongside costumes and bags of candy. Halloween owns October, Thanksgiving belongs in November and Christmas is reserved for December. But as soon as Halloween is over and the candy corn is gone (and I do love candy corn), I can't help but join those early celebrators. As much as I dread the snow and cold, it's almost as if my brain can sense the joys of Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner and I get excited. There is such a feeling that the holidays carry and, as cheesy as it sounds, people do seem kinder, happier, more grateful and more giving during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Many people blame greedy businesses for the holidays being celebrated earlier and earlier, and although I somewhat agree, I think it's also because people look forward to the annual celebration of peace, good will and giving. After a long year of work, school, a down economy, natural disasters and global discord and poverty, I think most see the holiday season as a time to show gratitude for what is going well in their lives and give back to those who are in need. No matter what your religious beliefs are, I think everyone can celebrate and enjoy the holiday season.

A huge part of the holidays is giving back to the community and those in need. At this point, you're probably wondering what this all has to do with "watching your wallet" and financial success. Interestingly enough, there is a connection.

Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we earn. We make a life by what we give."

Oh boy, so turns out money isn't everything. Shocker. David Bach, the author of "Automatic Millionaire," made an interesting point about wealth. He said he believes we pursue wealth not for the things money brings us but the feeling those things inspire in us. We want the nice car and house to feel successful and happy. We want a healthy sum in our bank account to feel a sense of accomplishment and security. Although he obviously encourages the acclimation of wealth (he did write a book called "Automatic Millionaire"), he said we can attain these same feelings through giving. Giving our time and means just makes us feel good. It really doesn't make sense but it works, and it is a genuine happiness that you really can't get from a new pair of shoes or a fat check.

There's plenty you can to do to give back this holiday season, and you are probably aware of the options. Donate to the bell-ringer at Wal-Mart. Give a child a Christmas by donating to Sub for Santa (visit http://www.subforsanta.org/ for more information). Nearly every organization on campus has fundraisers and service opportunities to either give your time or means during Christmas. ASUSU sponsors Stuff A Bus, a program to collect and donate food to the Cache Community Food Pantry. Each Monday and Tuesday night in November, student and community volunteers are invited to meet at the Romney Stadium parking lot at 6 p.m. to ride Aggie Shuttles around the community, knock on doors and ask people to donate nonperishable foods. In addition, students will be stationed at grocery stores and Wal-Mart on Black Friday to collect food and Sub for Santa donations. At the end of November, ASUSU will also sponsor "Penny Wars," a competition between colleges and university groups to raise money for Sub for Santa.

I challenge you to open your wallets and give a little more than you may have in the past. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to give back to the community and help those in need this Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Bargain of the Week: The Logan Albertson's is now the Fresh Market. If you take in your Alberton's preferred savings card, get a free 5 pound bag of sugar. Go sugar.

Each week I'll be sharing a tip or bargain of the week- ways to save money or make the most out of it. Got an idea or heard about a discount? Please comment below or send me an e-mail.

Karlie Brand is a junior in public relations. "Watching Your Wallet" will appear online each Wednesday. Questions or comments can be sent to karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu