Gift Giving in Kindness

Day 33: Gift Giving in Kindness

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” -Mother Teresa

For many this time of year can quickly go from being a time to celebrate to an overwhelming to do list of gifts to buy for everyone from your children to the school secretary. Maybe some of you take pleasure in the gift buying, but what happens when it just becomes a list of obligations rather than an opportunity to give a gift? Are we then giving from a place of love or a place of obligation and/or resentment? Are we giving because we want to give or because we think we should? If we think we should, is it still a gift?

If your Holiday Season has become a long list of obligations, rather than joyful and full of gifts, maybe it is time to redefine how you would like to spend this joyous season. Start new traditions that align with you. Give the gifts you want to give and to the people that you want to give to. If you would rather spend time with loved ones as a gift, try it. Try different ways to celebrate and give gifts until you find the one that feels right.

1. Kindness to Self:

   As we rush around preparing for the holidays, do not forget to give yourself what you need. Check in everyday, and ask yourself what gift you can bestow to your self in order to feel good and celebrate this wondrous season.

2. Kindness to Others:

   This season gets me thinking about what is really important. I think creating experiences and lasting memories by taking pleasure in the small things, rather than buying something for someone is much preferable. So, this year my children will be receiving a very special homemade gift from me. I did buy a few things for them, but the gift I am making will be something they will keep and treasure forever. (Hopefully they don’t read my blog). I am going to write and frame a letter to each of my two children describing their inner and outer beauty and all the things that make them unique and special. I’ll let you know know how it is received.

3. Kindness to Strangers:

   Everyday I try to practice an act of kindness to a stranger and it always makes me feel great. During this season, there are numerous opportunities to show our kindness to strangers. From the simple gesture of allowing a person to go ahead of you in line to donating to your favorite charity.  This holiday season, I chose to donate to a local charity called Winter Nights Shelter, which provides a clean, safe, and warm facility at night and a daytime services center during winter for homeless families with children. Local churches, of all different faiths, take two week turns hosting the shelter. Check it out and donate if you feel generous!

4. Kindness to Our Planet:

   Another favorite charity of mine is EWG, the Environmental Working Group. Their mission “is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action.” Currently they are looking for monetary support to fight anti-labeling of GMO products. Check out the website and see what you can learn.

With Kindness and Love,

Jennifer Palazzo

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com/MarioAlbertoMagallanesTrejo