Gifts of Love
Finding the meaning of the season
By Karen Frye
December is always a busy time. The year is ending and the holiday season is on! The hustle and bustle, the shopping, the wrapping, the preparation for get-togethers with family and friends can be overwhelming and disguise what this time of the year truly represents.
The theme of the season is gifts — not just tangible gifts wrapped in pretty paper — but also gifts of our hearts . . . gifts of love. This year, remind yourself it’s a spiritual time, a celebration of love for each other. It’s about understanding what is really important and meaningful to each of us.
Giving gifts of love can mean more than that sweater or watch we may not need. The feeling one receives from a gift of love goes deeper and touches our heart. It brings us hope and the contagious desire to spread our love to others.
These gifts don’t have to cost a thing. The commercialism in December can create an emotional meltdown, and the stress of spending (too much) money can ruin the true meaning of the season. Adopt a meaningful tradition — kind words of appreciation and gratitude to someone who has been of service to you in some way; or spending time with someone who may be alone for the holidays. Consider what would be most beneficial to those in your life.
Some other ways to make this holiday more meaningful:
• Find a family that may be struggling financially and buy their groceries
for a week, or even a meal.
• Go to a nursing home and spend time with someone who may be alone.
• Adopt a rescue pet.
• Treat the person in line behind you at the coffee shop.
• Smile more at the people you meet on the street. Even a smile can
brighten someone’s day and make a difference in their lives.
Remember the saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” It all begins with one person, and that person is you.
Give gifts of the heart, gifts of love, joy and peace. It’s the true meaning of this very special time. PS
Karen Frye is the owner and founder of Nature’s Own and teaches yoga at the Bikram Yoga Studio.
