"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."
Clement Clarke Moore 1823
Do you, too, have a love-hate relationship with the upcoming holiday season?
On the one hand, there is the intense awareness of the current harsh cold outside world; on the other, the longing for a warm inner world with peace and love.
At least, the latter is what the fairy tale would have us believe, all good intentions notwithstanding.
If you are lucky enough to be part of a warm, loving family and household, count your blessings and enjoy all the pleasures the holidays can bring, despite all the practical sacrifices that must be made to do so.
It is a time of expectation. And of the deep longing that peace and love may flow out worldwide. Or that a new year may bring you a new life. Or that you may be delivered from your misery. And there is still so much you could wish for yourself.
But dare to think the other way around. What do you think the people around you expect from you? Just to name a few. That you are a pleasant presence at the family dinner. That you show interest in family members whom you see and speak to so little during the year. That you don't needlessly let dormant conflicts surface. That you pay attention to the presents. That you roll up your sleeves a little. All small contributions to harmonious togetherness.
Yes, I know, you've worked your butt off in advance of your days off, you're worn out, you'd prefer to hibernate under a blanket on the couch; doing nothing for a while.
But how nice it is when others can enjoy your presence and interest. That relatives and friends can bask in your warmth. What you can mean for others is not a hollow phrase. Especially in the chill and difficulties of these times, personal warmth is invaluable.
However, you don't have to ignore your expectations and desires, mind you. But be a little relaxed when you are with others.
Gifts are an excellent way of showing someone that you care about her or him. Of course, a gift can go wrong, but you reduce that risk by making a thoughtful choice and adding a heartfelt message or poem to the gift.
People very quickly sense whether you have made an effort. That is the secret of a successful gift: making an effort. Not in the size or price; that rarely matters.
Consider a double gift. The first is the physical gift you bought for someone, nicely wrapped. The second is a big virtual box. You put your high spirits, cordiality, attention, interest, kindness, loving warmth, and beautiful wishes in it, wrapped in your radiant smile. The recipient and others will be king of the world.
I am sure it will be an unforgettable holiday season.
Do you like to surprise someone with a meaningful gift?
I strongly recommend THE UNIQUE LIFE CREATOR, 3 STEPS TO YOUR HEALTH, WEALTH, AND HAPPINESS. This book takes you on a fantastic journey through all aspects of life and offers insights that enrich life. A beautiful and affordable gift with which you can do someone a great favour.
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Do you have a loved one or friend or know someone stuck in life who could use some professional help to get out of that situation?
Then THE UNIQUE LIFE CREATOR - ORANGE GIFT CERTIFICATE, a voucher for mentoring services, is a stimulating start to recovery. Of course, the joy of this gift won't express itself until later, but it'll show, I am convinced.
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I wish you happy holidays and all the best for the coming year.
Warm greetings,
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Kopfoto: Some rights reserved by Jim, the Photographer on Flikcr https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcapaldi/5354088519/sizes/l/Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
