HEALTH: Just surviving past childhood used to be a major accomplishment. Now we expect to live into our 80s or 90s. And we expect – no, we demand – to have exceptional health care all along way (even those who are afraid to go to doctor!).

This list could keep growing, but these are major benefits I am grateful for living in twenty-first century North America. What does that have to do with Thanksgiving Day and happiness?

Well, follow this train of thought. Whatever you have, you can either appreciate or not. If you appreciate it -- I mean really notice that you have it, that it is good, that you feel good about having it -- it will bring you happiness. However, if you get used to it, take it for granted, and focus on things you don't have, what you do have just won't bring you happiness.

Appreciation is key to happiness. Whatever you truly and proactively appreciate, whether "stuff" or education or a vacation, will bring you happiness. But in this fast-paced, dog-eat-dog, over-stimulated society how can we appreciate anything?

Sadly, many of us who have most to be grateful for express gratitude least and feel least appreciation. It seems more we have, more we want. The more we want, less we appreciate what we have. The less we appreciate, less value there is to having anything, which may explain why we keep wanting more.

We who are drowning in luxuries and hold world in our hands can't seem to find time to appreciate what we have ... but we still make time to whine and complain. We still find things, however petty, to feed our negative thinking. How can we learn to appreciate our abundance and live a happy life?

The secret to feeling that appreciation we often overlook is in expressing our gratitude vocally or in writing. How can we possibly fail to appreciate something when we say "Thank you" for it and focus our attention on appreciation?

I offer several ideas on how to express gratitude in "Get Happy Workbook" and my book "Climb your Stairway to Heaven: 9 habits of maximum happiness", including keeping a gratitude journal, saying grace, practicing "bolsterism", or just sending flowers, cards, or an appreciative e-mail message – to name just a few ideas. Perhaps most useful of all ideas is to make Thanksgiving Day every day.

Christmas is important. Easter is important. Halloween is important for kids. But for our own personal happiness, there is nothing like a truly heartfelt Thanksgiving.

So when we recommend an artificial tree in this list, it's only carefully. And here's an example of a fake tree that passes muster, and is really rather elegant too. Reusable forever, this is a fabulous tree to pass down from generation to generation as you solidify yourself as a 'No Cut Tree' family. Set lights on a timer and way you go. This is also a sharp tree for business offices that often go PVC tree route. All you office managers, stop! Before you commit to one of plastic trees, see if you can do better for air quality of office. Your staff will thank you...

Available in specialty Christmas stores, and at this link: http://amos.catalogcity.com/cc.class/cc?main=departments&act=d%2C1922&pcd=4402579&ccsyn=117

7. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, try a bonsai or miniature evergreen tree.

Especially if your space is limited, or you just adore small, miniature evergreen trees are a readily available alternative to cut Christmas trees. They last a long time, and again, because they are living trees, using them or Christmas will help planet immensely. Remember, a cut tree is a dead tree!

Visit online retailer Red Envelope for more information about Mini Cypress Tree or Rosemary Tree http://www.redenvelope.com

8. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, sponsor planting of 15 or more live trees in a damaged ecosystem.

Those of you who read regular issue of Joy to Planet (88 ways to enjoy life AND help planet) know I am a big fan of planting trees. And doing so for Christmas is a truly perfect choice. In face of millions of trees that are cut down for Christmas, PLANTING 15 or more, for US$15, is a bold and brilliant statement worthy of celebrating.

The non-profit organization American Forests makes it simple and easy to do. Just click link and consider hanging a Christmas wreath beside certificate they send you as thanks. http://www.americanforests.org/planttrees/holidays.php

9. Instead of a cut Christmas tree, decorate a completely different kind of household tree or plant.

In Hawaii, Christmas tree of choice is actually Palm tree, and family at this link http://www.joytotheplanet.com/images/ripebanana1.JPG chose to honor their banana tree with ornaments this year. (Thanks go to Tom Elliot's Alternative Energy Information Centre for photo and inspiration.) What living room plant or tree can you dress up? 10. Instead of a cut Christmas tree in your house, stop and make a point of enjoying all Christmas trees that are already out there.

Have you ever stopped and noticed how many Christmas trees - artificial, cut, potted, inflatable, outdoor, what have you - you walk by every December? Last time I was out, I counted more than thirty!

So this year, instead of cutting down a Christmas tree for your own private viewing, why not take a moment and enjoy many trees that have been decorated with care out there? Whether it be at mall, on Christmas television special, in magazines, Internet, or one in your friend's living room (until next year, when you convince her not to get one!). There's plenty of tree to enjoy for all of us.

Merry tree-free Christmas!

Best regards,

Andrea

Andrea Lee andrea@joytotheplanet.com To sign up for Joy to Planet, ezine that shows you how to enjoy life AND help planet, just visit http://www.joytotheplanet.com for more information. It's fun, and free! Note: Although we have carefully researched various links above, we cannot guarantee quality or availability of products purchased from other companies. Please inquire directly with respective online companies for pricing, warranty, and other detail. Thank you!

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