Gratitude for the Holiday Season and always.

It's the season of giving. As we get older, our Christmas list gets smaller and the things we really want can't be bought. Always remember that the greatest gift you can ever receive is not found in the shops or under your Christmas tree. It is found in the hearts of your loving family and true friends.

Do you ever stop and think about the things in your life that you are grateful for? It's a tradition to share love by giving around the holidays. As a child I remember my Christmas' being full of suspense before getting to open those presents. As a child most of us would write letters to Santa with our wish list. The joy of opening all those presents unfortunately end up being very short lived.

For some of us the holidays can become very stressful.

Gift giving should come from a place of love and excitement to give vs feeling the need to.

If gift buying becomes a financial burden then why not simplify Christmas gifts to a limit of gifts per family member. Another idea can be to set a budget or doing a Secret Santa gift by pulling a name out of a hat. All of this can be fun and still everyone receives a gift.

Something that can be very meaningful is writing a holiday card to the person you appreciate and have gratitude for and tell them how very special they are to you.

Let your loved ones know why they are special to you and how they have touched your life.

A personal note of gratitude touches the heart and it can be more special and healing to the receiver than a material gift. It's a way of reaching out to people you may not have talked to in a while.

I also like to take the time during the holidays to show gratefulness to our teachers, doctors, neighbors whomever is in your life that you want to show appreciation to, this is the time!

Another fun thing could be to bake and gift Christmas cookies and making hand made crafts like ornaments which can be very inexpensive and fun. Remember this is the season of love, warmth and kindness.

My wish for this holiday season is for my family and yours! to be Happy, Healthy and Safe!