The Holidays are Here Again!

'Tis the season yet again! The yummy foods and treats, get-togethers with family and friends, giving and receiving. There is an electricity in the air! Carols and sleigh bell sounds bring back the magical feelings of holidays past. The smell of gingerbread, cinnamon and spiced apple cider warm from the inside out! It is 'the most wonderful time of the year'!

I was dreading being on a tight budget this gift giving season, but have found that I am much more particular and creative with my choices. I am having a ball finding just the right gift for that special person, a gift that will truly be appreciated (hopefully!) and that comes with an extra dose of consideration for the recipient. The smaller the budget the greater the effort and thought.

With each person on my list I realize how few (if any) are expecting/demanding a large expensive gift or a gift at all. As I look at the names (each one dear to me) and think what would this person TRULY want from me, from anyone? I answer again and again with: They would love to know that we thought of them, care for them and that we were HAPPY to give the gift. Starting from this place, I have the beginnings of what hopes to become a fabulous and memorable Christmas, filled not with "what" but "who"!

It is cliche to say that I am discovering the TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS, but I suppose they become cliches for a reason! I thought I already new what was important, but it is becoming clearer with each passing year how important and yet under appreciated our closest loved ones are. Friends you have forever...and family will always be there...not true. Hug them, tell them you love them, appreciate them. Say it with words...what a few kind, heartfelt words can do for another is spectacular and long lasting. The next time you think a nice thing about someone, let it slip out!