Two Hundred Dollar Chips Pay Big Dividends

This is a cool dismount! From Oprah to an Idaho Christmas. Anyone watch Oprah? Seemingly silly question, but I actually don't watch Oprah. Never have really. Even if you don't watch the show, everyone seems to know about her book club and fabulous audience giveaways. A friend was telling me today that his mom took the audience giveaway concept from Oprah and at Christmas, she gives each of her (adult) children two 100 dollar bills. Their task with this gift is to find, randomly, two alturistic somethings to give their money during the year. My friend has given away one of the $100 so far this year. The $100 story? Not long ago, he was dining at a local restaurant (coffee shop) and passing the time talking with a waitress. She was a single mom. Experiencing some rough times. He didn't know her, but was touched by her story. He left her a $100 dollar tip! Can you imagine? He didn't stick around for the thank you. Just left knowing that his $100 was well invested.

I'm going to start this tradition with my son this Christmas. Likely not $200 at age 12. :) But I really like the idea. How about you? Planning to start this idea too or do you have a similiar or unique family traditions to share? Share a "chip"...