Christmas Spirit
Posted 12-22-2008 at 11:39 AM by TimeForLife
Every year when the holiday season comes knocking at our doors people tend to open their heart, minds and pocket books for family, friends and even strangers. A wonderful reminder of those we love and those less fortunate. This year seems different and has touched my heart in a different way. I approached the "give unto others" part of the season with a different foot forward. It is amazing to me that in the past I have spend thousands of dollars on gifts for people. I always take the time to put thought into my offerings, but this year I decided to make them from the heart. I cannot believe the difference in levels of appreciation I have received for creating my gifts instead of spending money at a retail store. Is it because of the press, the state of the economy, something else? I am not sure, but people seem to expect less out of the season this year. I am a firm believer that "recessions" are good in the long run. However, I am seeing the present effects of the economic downturn as beneficial to the human heart now as well. I am just wondering if anyone else has seen a positive difference in the attitudes towards the Holiday Season and giving this year?
Total Comments 2
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Your post is a great reminder about the more important elements behind holiday celebrations - family, humanity, giving from the heart, etc.
This year, insead of spend/spend/spend!! We had a really neat series of photos taken of the three of us with a bunch of just the baby - they're funky and artsy and don't require knowing someone's size, favorite color, or a gift receipt. We haven't given them yet but the preparation of this gift feels better than wrapping up a bunch of boxes of 'stuff' and I really do expect they'll be received in the same spirit.  |
 
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I am in the same boat as you are Rikki. While I always make something for my family each year -- I usually give them store bought gifts too. This time around I am keeping it simple (with one exception -- a purchased gift for my mom).
I am in the process of making cookies for my family. I made a whole bunch of chocolate almond biscotti on Saturday and have a few more cookies to make. I am also creating a special Gingerbread house for my brother, his family and my mother. This is my very first attempt at creating a gingerbread house from scratch. It is going to be a two piece house -- a lighthouse decorated with sugar free candy -- that portion is for my mother who is diabetic and a small cottage decorated for my brother and his family. I purchased a cutting board today which will be the base. Like yourself and Tess, I feel so great about these gifts -- because they truly are coming from my heart! |
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