Greetings!,

Since we are past Thanksgiving, it now seems to be shopping season. Are you now in the search of that perfect gift for your loved one? Perhaps just the required gift for the Secret Santa at work.

Gift giving should not feel like an obligation or contest; not about how much we spend or how many gifts we give to the ones we buy for. Wikipedia states that the definition of a gift is giving a present or an item given to someone who is not already the owner without expectation of payment or anything in return.

Looking up the definition of gift, I came across the 4 Gift Rule. It is about giving gifts with the idea of these 4 parameters: Want, Need, Wear, and Read. (This may be a great guide for giving to children.) The concept is to give a gift of something the recipient wants, and a gift of what they need, something to wear, and lastly something to read.

As I get older, I am finding material things are less important to me than time and people. Maybe then, a better gift might be a gift of yourself. Sharing unexpected trips or adventures with those you care about. Spending time with others before we grow old or our friends and family drift away. Maybe time spent just sharing a coffee or glass or wine and having a conversation, really listening to others (without being ready to just in with our own thoughts).

Lastly, maybe this is the time we reflect on own self. This time of year when we think of family and friends, what has passed and what is to come, maybe the gifts we need to give is to ourselves. Use this time for:

1) Creating space for daily prayer or meditation. Just a few minutes a day of quiet time can transform your day.

2) Embrace acts of kindness. This season is about giving.

3) Practice Intentional Simplicity. Take time to look at what truly matters.

4) Reconnect with family and community.

I hope some of this resonates with you and leads to a more satisfying holiday season.

As always, thanks for reading.



Bernie & Chad