I came across this heart-warming essay by Marilyn Naylor. It was a great reminder about the importance of personal connection throughout the year.
"It’s the holidays--are you to busy to give, but have enough time to shop? Today, we often give gifts because it is expected—not because of the pleasure it gives.
Originally the practice of gift giving was to honor the prosperity experienced during the year and to celebrate the birth of love in our world. Most gifts were fruit, nuts and small trinkets, handmade and filled with love. Getting the tree meant tromping in the woods or to the corner Boy Scout lot to choose the perfect symbol. As the trees were decorated with paper chains, tin foil stars, and strings of popcorn, needles rained on the carpet in a tinkling symphony accompanied by childish laughter. Packages were wrapped with brown paper and red yarn and adorned with colorful stickers. Of course this was years ago, before the Internet, huge malls, and self-contained full service shopping Marts.
Let’s take a different shopping expedition without leaving the comfortable glow of your PC. You won’t need your credit cards, check, or wallet. Check your list—we don’t want to miss anyone. Mom would love a big hug to make her feel warm, wanted, and comfortable. Dad would like to see you happy and feeling secure. Rather than a fur coat for Grandma, how about one hour of your time each week totally devoted to her? Is there a special older person in your life who would like someone to listen to his or her musings of the past? You might be surprised at the wisdom you will gain. Have you taken a little one into the kitchen to roll cookies and put crooked smiles on fresh crisp Santas? Have you thought about sharing a cup of coffee and a donut with a boss or employee who feels left out?
Now if you must fight the onslaught to find the perfect gift then I make this suggestion. As you wrap, tuck, and tape, think about the good qualities of each gift recipient. Does this package go to someone who needs to feel prosperity? Perhaps a warm hug, a wink, or a soft touch are all that is needed to make the perfect present. Envision the needed energy and wrap it snugly around the gift and seal it with love. That warm sweater will feel like a hug, the journal a vote of confidence. The perfume will feel like you brushed them with a kiss.
If you’re sending out cards, sign each one with love and add that special feeling as you address them. Each as opened will radiate the positive attitude and good feelings you have sent your friends.
Make the holidays not a time of “have to” but a time of “want to.” Open each card with expectations of Joy, Peace and Harmony and each gift with appreciation for the Love, Appreciation and Acceptance that it is wrapped in."
Thank you for being one of our readers this year. Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with love, prosperity, and happiness.
Posted by Bernice Ross