“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~Mother Teresa
Dear Universe,
It’s that time of year again. It’s the season to be jolly, with the sounds of fireplaces crackling and sleigh bells ringing. It’s the season to see snowflakes falling and reindeer dashing.
It’s also the season of giving.
Things can get pretty hectic this month. We can get lost in the chaos of traffic, wrapping paper and receipts. We can drown in list after list to keep track of the buying, baking and card sending. We can jet from one holiday get together to the next, in a blur of eggnog and fruitcake.
Sometimes, even as we’re enjoying the spirit of things, it can feel like a little too much to bear. We barely remember to stop, take it all in and check in with ourselves. After all, who has time for that when there are gifts to finish and last minute holiday errands calling our names?
As we all rush around to pick out perfect presents, a gift to show how much we care, let’s not forget that sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones we can’t find online, in a store or on Santa’s lap.
There are things in this world that money can’t buy, that are simply priceless. There’s a lot of them actually, but here are a few we can all work on this giving season.
Hope: This time of year can have emotions running high. All it takes is one poorly timed Christmas song on the radio and someone can find themselves feeling down or lonely. Give hope to the person in your life who is going through something tough and needs a little extra faith as the new year approaches.
Time: Stop rushing. Make the time for your loved ones and while you’re at it, schedule some alone time for yourself. Give some extra time to someone you love dearly, someone that you haven’t seen or spoken to in way too long. Whether it’s a phone call or a cup of coffee, quality time can mean much more than a box with a big bow.
Kindness: As they say, be kind. Everyone you know—or even strangers you encounter—is fighting a battle you know nothing about. So the next time you find yourself frustrated at the checkout line, look around, take a deep breath and remind yourself to offer a kind smile and some kind words.
Love: In all ways, always… Give love. We can all use more of that.
This holiday season vow to give all you can, in ways money can’t buy. Give in ways that are meaningful and memorable, gracious and generous.
Give because you want to. Give because it gives you joy to spread happiness. Give with intention and most importantly, give from the heart.
It’s the season of giving. So what are you waiting for?
Much Gratitude,
A
