The holidays are a time for gatherings of family and friends to celebrate the good that has come into our lives. Often this means good food, special decorations, and exchanging gifts. It also can mean extra spending, and hassle, and frustration. One way to reduce the stress of the holiday season is to discover your invaluable gifts. These are the gifts that are timeless, always appreciated, and to not wear out. Here are seven tips for discovering them.
1) Be creative. Our most meaningful experiences are the ones that touch the heart. They can be hand-written notes of appreciation, a poem that you frame, pictures in a photo album, or an act of love and service.
2) Everyone has strengths, that is unique aspects of our character that engage us in activities that we especially enjoy doing. For some it may a love of learning, for another socializing. Consider giving gifts around your area of strength and use it in your holiday plans. For example, if you enjoy learning, give gifts of books, or if you enjoy socializing, consider bringing people together for a holiday activity. You can plan and work together as a team, each using your strengths. These strengths help us to expand and build our relationships, which is a great source of happiness of all.
3) Take time to recognize and appreciate the strengths of others. When you reflect on their strengths and share what you appreciate, it builds their awareness of how they are useful. It is much easier for people to appreciate their strengths when they have feedback from others.
4) Cherish your stories. The stories in our life are often built around our strengths. The best stories are those where a challenge was overcome. You might notice what your loved ones did and how you appreciated it. Take time to describe how they rose to the occasion to overcome the challenge. Even better, write it up and include a picture or two. You and your loved ones will cherish these stories for many years to come.
5) Embrace differences. Often friends and family have different views from ourselves. When they push our buttons, it may not seem like a gift. Think again. They would not create a hassle unless they cared. Is there anyway this might really be a gift, or a strength lurking underneath?
6) Appreciate the gifts of age. Each age period has a unique contribution. For example, young children give us the gift of wonder, and curiosity, as they explore the world. Older people give the gift of wisdom and an appreciation of spirit. When we acknowledge the contributions of all the ages, all are included and our celebration becomes more enriched and fulfilled.
7. Finally, all of the holiday pleasures, such as tasty food and holiday decorations are more long lasting and meaningful when combined with the invaluable ones.
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