I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was filled with friends, family and lots of great food! While most of us were still lingering over pumpkin pie, some folks were already at the stores filling their carts with gifts for Christmas. I had to chuckle as I read store ads for Black Friday sales starting the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving. Seems the shopping starts earlier every year! This is the season of giving and we all get drawn into finding the perfect present for everyone on our list. But, what if, instead of focusing on the materialism of the holiday, we tried to think of ways to brighten someone’s day without spending a dime.
Recently, I saw a Hallmark movie (yes, I love the Hallmark movies) about a marketing executive who came up with the idea of Christmas 365 days a year. Wouldn’t that be amazing to have the holiday spirit every day? Now, I am not suggesting we shop till we drop all year long. The spirit of Christmas is so much more than that. A smile, a wave, saying thank you – these small gestures toward one another can have such a profound impact. And, your simple act of kindness may motivate someone to do the same.
So, instead of a recipe, I would like to share some “food for thought.” These are some of my “gift ideas” that won’t break the bank and everyone will love. You can give them to anyone, anytime, anywhere all year long. I hope this will inspire you to slow down and enjoy this season of giving. And, perhaps, carry the spirit throughout the year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Denise
Gifts that Give
– Stop and say hello to your neighbor as you pass by
– Say thank you to the clerk who bags your groceries
– Allow someone to get in front of you in traffic
– Wave thank you to the person who let you in front of them in traffic
– Smile at a stranger as you pass them on the street
– Wave to the garbage man
– Talk with a coworker that you do not know very well
– Call a friend you have not spoken with in a while
– Slow down when you pass a cyclist 😉
– Apologize when you need to
– Be KindTry one or try them all. I think you will be amazed at the response.
