Making A List and Checking It Twice

Holiday to do list:

1. Buy Presents ... Be present

                  2. Wrap gifts ... Wrap someone in a hug

3. Send gifts ... Send peace

4. Shop for food ... Donate food

5. Make cookies ... Make love

6. See the lights ... Be the light

Eco-Vegan Gal

Every person has an individual streak of creativity.  Zero in on what you do best and utilize it to personalize the holiday season.  Think out of the box for ideas that express heartfelt caring.  Offer to help put up an elder's Christmas tree or give a card designating willingness to help take down the tree. 

Instead of purchasing another ugly sweater for a relative, recall what they truly like.  Maybe they love birds so make or purchase a bird feeder or deliver a stack of bird feed in a plastic tub with a heavy lid.  There may be a repair badly needed, but often times people who have no sense of fixing things, delay finding a trustworthy repair man.  Offer to fix a leaking faucet or install a safety railing.  This will mean much more than an ugly sweater.

When a neighbor fell on the ice and broke her wrist, another neighbor generously offered to   address Christmas cards.  Another neighbor offered to babysit for a couple of hours while the parents went shopping.  When I was working full time and a single mother, I was elated to receive a basket of home made goodies. There are numerous opportunities to help.

Gifts do not necessarily need to be newly purchased.  Maybe it is time to pass down a grandmother's quilt; a piece of china preserved by the family for years; framed old photo of ancestors; or an item that is frequently admired.  

This year, give from your heart.  Share your lovely self with others just by being present.  Many people become depressed during the holidays, so wrap them in a hug.  Bring an element of peace into  a troubled life.  Make extra holiday treats and share with others.  Exchange earnest conversations with those who are important to you.  When we tame our ego, we become a bright and shining star helping in the lives of others.  By giving, we do truly end up receiving.