If you're like most people, you're cutting back on extravagent gifts this holiday season. I think that this is a good thing because it helps us to focus on the true spirit of the holidays and giving, rather than the gifts themselves.
It helps us to focus on all that we DO have in our lives and what we're thankful for. I've done a daily gratitude practice for almost a decade now, and I recommend it to my clients for them and to do with their kids. I find that in a tight economy, I focus more on the every day things that I may normally take for granted.
One of my friends does a gratitude tree with her kids (each day they add a leaf that features somethng they're thankful for). Recently her children have said things like, "The sink because it gives us clean running water." They are in no danger of not having water themselves but are learning to really appreciate all that they do have.
I think this is why I'm more excited about the holidays this year than I've been on recent years.
What are you grateful for this holiday season? If it involves other people, how can you let them know?
The answer to this may also lead to some creative and free gift ideas (such as offering to do the dishes every day for a month). And the focus on gratitude (for yourself, your kids, and others) is the best gift of all.
Happy Holidays!
Larina
What a fantastic blog post. Very uplifting and topical. I even like the look of the site it's very clean and positive. Thanks
Posted by: Build a business | December 17, 2008 at 12:11 PM