December is for Giving
Every year, at this time of year, I go a little nuts. I'm not sure if it's the whole 'Black Friday' push, or the accelerated arrival of Christmas decorations and advertisements, but I begin obsessing over my gift list in early November. I make lists on the plane during business trips, I make lists at home, I have lists in my purse. Really, if my family doesn't know what they are getting for Christmas it is because they are not looking hard enough. I typically, officially, complete my shopping by the first week of December, and then I'm on to obsessing about the tree, decorations (which I either don't like or leave up year round), and the big day.
When I was young, my parents put a large folding screen in front of the living room entry after we went to bed on Christmas Eve. We would wake my parents at the crack of dawn..... and then we had to wait, huddled in front of that screen, for my mother to make the coffee, for my father and grandfather to shave (really) and for the momentous moment when that screen got removed. By then I had worked myself up to a literal heart attack frenzy. And while we got nice gifts (usually some lesser equivalent of what I asked for- my mother was a big Alexander's shopper while I coveted Bloomingdale's), I was always let down when it was over.
I realize I approach the holidays with that same energy. I manically plan the event, almost like a mental Broadway production, and often forget to enjoy the experience. So I am writing this newsletter to remind myself of some important facts. Gifts aren't what are important. Neither are the decorations or tree. What are important are the moments you spend with those you love. They are not to be rushed or taken for granted. They are not to be discarded with the wrapping trash (we lose a lot of gifts this way). They are not to be put away in the hall closet. They are to be appreciated and savored. Lingered over. This year I will not live in the future or past. This year I pledge to give my presence at Christmas.
www.wrightlifecoach.com martha@wrightlifecoach.com 609-865-3743
