Giving Tuesday, today, aims to 'create ways to give more, give better and give smarter'

In the beginning, there was Thanksgiving. Then there was Black Friday, named by retailers for the positive ink it brings to their business ledgers. Then there was Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. And now, as a relief or antidote to all the getting, there is Giving Tuesday.

Today, "Charities, families, businesses and individuals are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season," organizers say on the Giving Tuesday website. "It’s a simple idea. Find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to join in acts of giving. Tell everyone you can about what you are doing and why it matters. Join a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity. And together we’ll create ways to give more, give better and give smarter."

Sounds like a fine idea. The gifts can be of time, talents or money. For a list of the effort's founding partners, click here.