“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!” ~ Dr. Seuss
“The only gift is a portion of thyself.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~ Janice Maeditere
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Teresa
“For it is in giving that we receive.” ~ Francis of Assisi
This time of year, while Joyful and Merry, can be extremely stressful for many people. We see it all around us, people hustling and bustling to get that perfect gift, going into debt, getting sick from doing too much, and not really enjoying the whole Christmas experience.
One way to lighten your burden is to give from a place that makes you feel good, that really ignites into your heart and spirit what Christmas is all about. Here are 5 Christmas gift ideas that can make your heart sing while keeping you and your bank account healthy and happy.
Phone a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while
Yes, I said phone not text. Have you ever had someone call you up out of the blue just to say hi? Do you remember how good that felt? What a gift. Well, why not give that gift to someone you know and spread some Christmas cheer through a heartfelt voice to voice hello and good wishes.
Visit a friend or family member
I remember growing up how much my parents used to just visit. It seems like a lost art these days. No one seems to have time to just visit over a cup of tea anymore. This year make some time to visit someone you know who would appreciate and love your company. It will be time well spent. One of the greatest gifts we can offer anyone is our time and it costs nothing.
Write and send a hand written letter
Who writes letters anymore? Everything is by email or text it seems. Writing seems so passé. Yet, just the act of writing can get you into a beautiful heart space. Go low tech this year and send someone a heartfelt letter letting them know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for having them in your life. They will feel special and you will feel awesome.
Forgive someone
Truth be told, not many of us are without stored up resent toward someone who has wronged us. Carrying this resentment around not only greatly effects the relationship but it also affects our overall health and wellbeing. Why not give yourself and the person you are holding a grudge against one of the greatest gifts of all: forgiveness. If we can just remember everyone (including ourselves) is doing the best they can at any moment given their level of awareness.
Apologize
This one fits in nicely with forgiveness. If you look up perfect in the dictionary I am positive you are not going to see your picture staring back at you. So chances are at some point in your life you have said something you know wasn’t kind, or hurt someone through your actions. Why not fess up, accept responsibility for not being perfect and apologize. What a nice gift.
All the gifts I have mentioned are priceless yet cost you the least. All they require is the willingness to add a little more meaning to Christmas this year.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful healthy, happy and safe Christmas.
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