It's still not too late to buy adventure travel gifts online and have them under the Christmas tree. Some retailers, including Magellan's and eBags, offer upgraded shipping to ensure the gift arrives by Xmas. Magellan's offers free overnight shipping upgrades through Wednesday, December 23. eBags offers free second day air upgrade shiping through Monday,December. 21.

The winter solstice - that instant every year when the sun is farthest away from earth - has always been a "magic" time for mankind. As About.com's guide to Ireland, Bernd Biege, speculates: "The nights had become noticeably longer for weeks, the days murkier, the sun styling low on the horizon. You can just imagine cavemen muttering to each other 'If this carries on, we'll have to invent fire to see anything at all!'"

You can read about winter solstice celebrations around the globe in his blog The Winter Solstice - Not Just Newgrange, where tourists gather to watch the rising sun illuminate the heart of the megalith's inner chamber. In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is actually in late June. In Cusco, Peru, this shortest day of the year is celebrated with parades and festivals. In nearby Machu Picchu, travelers gather at dawn to watch the sun's rays spill shine through a window in the Temple of the Sun and light up a ceremonial stone.

Photo © L Friedland

Shelley Seale has written a moving nonfiction book, The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India, based on her experiences volunteering at orphanages in India. In the book, she writes of real children such as those portrayed in the "Slumdog Millionaire" movie.  Read about her most memorable experiences, get her tips on becoming a volunteer traveler, and learn what an armchair volunteer traveler can do.

Photo courtesy of Shelley Seale

Not sure what to get your family and friends who are into adventurous activities and traveling to exotic lands? Here are some suggestions that range in price from approximately $50 to $200. How about a breathable, moisture-wicking jacket to use over a t-shirt, or between a base layer and heavier jacket when it's really cold. Goggles for snowsports with a tiny fan that clears foggy lenses will be loved, especially by eyeglass wearers. Then, there's the world's lightest snow helmet, which can be used for skateboarding, too. How about snowshoes, travel pants with 11 pockets, and a pair of kids ski boots that are adjustable so children can wear them for years. Here are ten gifts that cost between $50 to $200.