According to the music, this is the most wonderful time of the year. And, it can be. However for many, the expectations of the holiday season created in part by the retail industry, the media, and us, don’t match the actual experience. I would venture to say that this is mostly because the holiday costs a lot. Let me be quite clear that part of what I like about this time of year is actually quite commercial. The reason that I like the commercialism is that it creates jobs and business successes. Then, there is the other side of this when gifts and costly celebrations aren’t attainable. What to do…what to do!!
First, let’s take a step back together. This is the time for many to celebrate the Prince of Peace, not the latest electronic or leather apparel. Don’t get me wrong; I like leather and my computer stuff. But, when you can’t afford expensive gift giving it can be so stressful. I am not Christian, but I like JOY and PEACE, the heart of the season. Also, I humbly say that I would never tell anyone how to or not to celebrate their holiday. What I do want to communicate is that there is a lot that can be offered as gifts that are most definitely in the spirit of the season. For starters, think thoughtful rather then expensive.
On the beinggirl.com website homepage (see below), there are 3 boxes to choose from and NO, this isn’t Price Is Right, this is about gift giving in a cost effective way. The first box on the site is titled, Perfect Gift Picks. The Second is Winter Fun and the last is beinggirl’s Gift to you. I will talk about winter fun in another post and the BG’s gift is a box of Avatars that BG visitors can use for their own personalization mark. You have to sign in to view those and that is up to you, certainly. The reason that the Gift Picks is so timely is that the list is divided up in suggestions for those who may be on your gift list, like family members for example. It includes gifts you can purchase, but importantly, it also includes ideas on gifts you can make. LOVE THAT.
Some families only allow gifts that someone has created, as a way to encourage the use of imagination and the gift of time to create the gift. As for me, in our family that includes Christians and Jews, we give contributions to our favorite charities. I think the Prince of Peace would like that, just saying.
Please, please, please don’t take away that, if you can, you shouldn’t buy gifts or expensive presents to celebrate and make someone you love feel special. Absolutely NOT!! What I am trying to do is find ways to help some avoid the disappointment of not being able to have a: sit around the fire place, large Christmas tree with overflow gifts, cookies and family members who all get along really well and who all have really good voices singing Carols type of holiday celebration.
Recently I heard someone say that if you can set your own personal expectations that have only to do with you and who you are you will never be disappointed. For example, this is a season of religious celebrations. Perhaps the heart of it could be a simple meditation on blessings and thankfulness that we are alive and living in a country where you can worship the way you want. If that becomes the heart of your celebration, I truly guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. Look up at the sky and the stars on a crisp December night. It is awesome. Even if you don’t have much, you have the stars, the moon and the fresh air. I have had holidays where I was in the midst of heartache and sadness and couldn’t afford much. I remember going outside, being chilly but looking up and really feeling more connected to the world. Lovely and Peaceful.
My wish for everyone is that you have many moments of happiness and joy that make this time of year wonderful for what it was intended, a celebration of a grand birthday and a time for showing your love of others. So, if you are alone and hurting in some way, please let me know and, while I can’t send a check, I would be happy to listen and to send you a virtual hug. For others, may you make it through this wonderful time of year with all the love and support you need and more!
http://www.beinggirl.com/article/gift-ideas/?utm_source=blogger.com&utm_medium=elaineR.N.&utm_content=link20120105&utm_campaign=comm_mgr
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