Why is the Christmas season so stressful to some people? Nothing ruins it more then the financial stress, keeping up with others, the crowds, the parking... etc. So why not make it more enjoyable for you and others by letting go of the stress next time you feel your blood boil... and smile and wish someone a happy holiday. Reflect on how this made you feel and possibly how it changed that persons day. It's amazing what a smile and gentle greeting can do for you and others. It's easy to get pissed off at the cashier's bad attitude- try to change it with kindness.
Are you financially unable to keep up with the trends and demands of society and the pull they have on our children? I know I am!!! And I am sooooo sick of commercialization of holidays. Yes I LOVE to shop... I love to give to others.. and the reason for this is because I enjoy their acceptance and to see the light that it gives to people :) I cant change this for my children unless I change me... so holidays need to be downsized but I still need to fulfill my love of giving so homemade goods and thoughtful memories are what I can always afford to give. I am so excited this year to try new recipes for cookie and bake good plates... and making fun crafts that are messy rather then the pretty expensive ones! With my love to shop I often ask to do it for others so I can get my fun filled event of finding the perfect gift for someone and not have to spend my money :) hehe
I am thrifty.. I love to find a bargain and research is my forte- so this years big gift to Sophie came from a yard sale and I am THRILLED with it! I want to teach my children to be thrifty and to love used and not demand new... another way of doing this is taking new items out of packaging when giving gifts... so really they never know :)
After reading some other peoples posts tonight- I think next year I will make a new tradition and do toy swaps with other families... and if that is what we can wrap up for holiday and birthday gifts great.. if it doesn't need to wait and is just a day for a gift that is great to! That allows us to weed out our toys.. and receive new ones AND give to others!
I hope through the years I can teach my kids empathy and compassion more then anything! Giving to others makes me feel so full of emotions that I cant even find words for them... and I hope my kiddos have that drive too. In the spirit of the season, remember giving isn't just a financial gift- it may be giving your time to allow date night to happen, or giving a shoulder to lean on during difficult times, volunteering your time to others and making a special memory for someone who doesn't have family around anymore- wouldn't it be fun to take older children to a veterans home to listen to stories of the past?
What can you give to someone this year? A smile is a start :)
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