Spreading the Gift of Appreciativeness and Finding Happiness

The holiday season is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year for many people. There are many different types of celebrations happening during the five week span between the end of November and the beginning of January. Most of them involve some sort of gift-giving traditions. Those traditions have become more and more commercial through the years, to the point where our ancestors probably wouldn’t recognize the festivities as the same ones they enjoyed. Part of giving a gift is honoring the ideals behind the celebration itself. It is a time to look around and take stock of what we have, be appreciative for the many blessings in our lives and for sharing with those who are less fortunate. It doesn’t take more money, but it does take a little more effort.

 Giving Gifts That Matter Because the holidays are so busy, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Holidays add to the everyday stress we already feel; we’re busy enough with school, family chores and work. Life can just get in the way and make it hard to find the time to really think about special gifts. That makes it easy to forget the reason we are giving people gifts in the first place when we just grab the first shiny object that we see and toss it in a cart.

 What we sometimes fail to understand is, even if taking the time to stop and look at the bigger picture, and find special presents that have deeper meanings for those we love means buying fewer gifts, it will be worth the time spent. Appreciating Each Gift Having a few less gifts will help family members, especially younger children in the family, learn to be more appreciative. Instead of going from gift to gift in an almost mechanical process of opening and discarding each item, they can learn to really enjoy and be appreciative of the gifts they receive. Teaching younger family members to appreciate their gifts and to be grateful is one of the best gifts we can give them. Setting an example for the youngest family members by always taking the time to write out thank you cards, and to show gratitude with an embrace or hug when receiving gifts gives them the foundation to build on and learn from as they become adults.

 Giving Gifts That Give Back Another way to spread joy, instill values and find happiness for our own lives is by giving gifts that give to others. We all have problems, but when we really step back and take stock of our lives; we have it pretty good compared to many who are less fortunate. It’s easy to see how lucky we are. The gift of time; time spent at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter or even visiting hospitals and nursing homes on the holidays can spread support, love and friendship that is worth far more than any toy, piece of jewelry or sweater will ever give. Taking the time to share with someone in need is the best way to express our love for each other, help out people and give them the gift of happiness on the holidays.