Dear Santa

By Meghan McChesney Gilroy

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

This blog was inspired by Associate Teacher Michele Laub’s upcoming Rediscover Your Family and Friends This Holiday Season Teleclass.

 

Dear Santa,

We are so grateful for our family, for being alive, and for all we have. This year has been full of challenges for so many on the planet. In the spirit of remembering what’s important, we propose (with your kind approval, of course) to celebrate anew:

1. To remember that the biggest gift is our time and energy. So we gather with friends and family to enjoy each other’s company.
2. When giving gifts, to do so from inspiration - whether it’s writing a sweet note, buying a gift that would touch the heart of the giver and receiver, or making something by hand. We have so much that we don’t need to add much more to the pile! (On that note, we vote to forgo making lists of what we want understanding that if inspiration doesn’t strike the buyer, then we may not receive a gift at all.)
3. To remember others. There are so many people who could use a helping hand right now so let’s give. Pick a worthy cause and give as much as you can, or make a donation in the name of a friend or family member as their gift. It’s a way to give twice!
4. To remember the joy of Christmas through a child’s eyes. Let’s make it magical for the wee ones - decorating trees, cooking together, playing with boxes, unwrapping a gift that fosters their creativity and imagination. And to receive our joy from giving our time, love, and attention to them. That means more than any present. 

The holiday time can be one of stress, when we feel the pressure of sending cards, getting to the mall, paying for the purchases, and squeezing in too much activity. Or, it can be one of pleasure and peace, of giving and receiving from the heart. Let’s choose the latter.

All in favor?

With love,

The Gilroys

Posted in Happiness |