Generous spirits can stick to budget (The News & Observer)

Have you caught the spirit of the holiday season but you're low on cash? Take heart. You can make a difference without writing a check or charging your credit card.

Opposition agrees to coalition with Dion as PM (CTV Winnipeg)

In a historic political move, the leaders of the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc Quebecois signed a formal agreement Monday to co-operate as a coalition government for the next 18 months.

Moms need help to keep holiday spirit (Burlington County Times)

It is not easy for parents to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for their children when struggling day to day.

East Africa: 'How Are We Going to Sustain Gender Approaches?' (AllAfrica.com)

The negative aspects of Africa's experience with structural adjustment programmes beginning in the 1990s have been well-documented -- facing high debt loads, African governments agreed to liberalise their economies, privatise public enterprises, and sharply reduce social spending with often painful effects on the most vulnerable.

Charities gear up for holidays (The Findlay Courier)

By DENISE GRANT