THE MOST IMPORTANT GIFTS OF ALL

Written by Pauline Wallin, Ph.D.


IN THIS SEASON OF GIFT-BUYING, DON'T IGNORE THE MOST IMPORTANT GIFTS OF ALL

In this season of holiday gift buying, advertisers bombard us with messages, some of them contradictory. One ad tells us thatrepparttar best way for men to show love is to spend three months' salary on a piece of diamond jewelry. Onrepparttar 111271 other hand, MasterCard commercials remind us that there are some things ("Priceless" moments) that money can't buy.

"Oh, that's a sweet sentiment," you might say, "but can it really substitute forrepparttar 111272 latest videogame or hot toy?" Very few children raised in this materialistic culture would say, "Gee mom, thanks for making my favorite meal. What a great Christmas gift!"

Yet 20 years from now, these same children probably won't rememberrepparttar 111273 items that they got forrepparttar 111274 current Christmas. They will, however, recallrepparttar 111275 special games that their family played together,repparttar 111276 time that their older brother took them to a movie, orrepparttar 111277 way their parents tucked them in at night.

These arerepparttar 111278 little moments, which over time, have a huge impact. Unfortunately people tend to take them for granted. With so much emphasis on holiday shopping, and on buyingrepparttar 111279 perfect gift, we can lose sight ofrepparttar 111280 importance ofrepparttar 111281 less flashy, but "priceless" gifts: gifts such as thoughtfulness and gratitude that we can give to one another all year round. A diamond may be forever, but its value is nothing compared to a lifetime of moments that money can't buy.

I'm not suggesting that you foregorepparttar 111282 presents this holiday season, but don't worry so much about how "perfect" they are. Go ahead and buy some gifts, but more importantly, resolve to focus your energy on helping others feel valued and appreciated. They will remember your acts of thoughtfulness and compassion long afterrepparttar 111283 material gifts are gone.

SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Written by Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes


Too often we forgo entertaining because ofrepparttar mere thought of all ofrepparttar 111270 preparation that is involved. And more is not better. Often we try to out do each other with lavish parties and expensive gifts. Stop and remember for a second what was important from your own childhood. Was it an outing? Baking cookies with your grandmother? Building a snowman with your dad? We need to connect. This doesn’t require more time, just shiftingrepparttar 111271 focus ofrepparttar 111272 time we already have. Here, a casual party and a very simple activity wererepparttar 111273 catalyst that brought everyone together.

To getrepparttar 111274 entire neighborhood intorepparttar 111275 Christmas spirit we planned a caroling party. The day before our guests arrived, my kids and I spent an afternoon making decorative candleholders to give to each caroler, to lightrepparttar 111276 way for our caroling expedition.

Dad, dressed as Santa, provided our very own photo opportunity. Little ones whispered their Christmas list in Santa’s ear. Grown ups, as well as kids, had their pictures taken in Santa’s lap.

Adults, kids, and even a few dogs then joined us on our merry way. Our numbers grew as we made our way caroling throughrepparttar 111277 neighborhood.

Asrepparttar 111278 carolers returned, we welcomed them with Mexican hot chocolate and ginger spice cookies. This party was a great way to engage everyone in an activity thatrepparttar 111279 whole family could enjoy. And for a few short hours we were able to turn our attention away fromrepparttar 111280 commercial marketing ofrepparttar 111281 holidays to something much more personal.

Cont'd on page 2 ==>
 
ImproveHomeLife.com © 2005
Terms of Use