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In six months it will be Christmas, with everyone too exhausted to acknowledge or enjoy the Holy Day (holiday).So when someone says shop early, it is wise to try. Unfortunately, a familiar question is presented that can really weigh down the person asking it: "What do you want?". That question has taken joy away from the very idea of what a gift should be, specifically, the gift is simply someone thinks wonderfully of you and wants to share with you that thought.
A dear friend expressed that he taught his children that the gift wasn't what was inside the wrappings but was the package itself. He encouraged his children not to open the gift until a day when they were experiencing difficult times, and to open the gift at that time. Well, I used that advise one year, and I must say it became a life changing event. I had no idea when I would be in need of opening the gift, or when I needed to do so. However, the day arrived. Nothing was right in my world. As I felt the weight pulling me downward, my eyes gazed upon the "gift" waiting for me. As I opened it, the events causing my heavy heart began to leave. Once open, the gift allowed me to remember the person's kindness and caring. Sadness was gone, the weight that pulled me down was no longer there. I had learned what the wrappings concealed the true meaning behind what was inside, and that what was inside really didn't matter until the moment that I needed it.
So, it is six months to Christmas. Begin you shopping now by finding several envelopes, and placing the name of each person you want to give a gift to this Christmas on the outside of the envelope. Following that task, pick up a pen and some paper of miscellaneous size and color. Now, think of any of the people whose names have been written on the various envelopes. Has that person gone out of their way to show you some kindness? Has that person made your life special in any way? Has that person helped you and made your day brighter in some fashion? Well, write it down. Tell that person how they made a difference in your life. It doesn't take much time, and shouldn't be lengthy. Now, place that paper into that person's envelope. Each time you think of some kindness, some surprise gesture, something that surprised you and made you happy, write it down and place it into that person's envelope. By the time December 15th comes around, you will be amazed about the fullness of each envelope. It won't matter what kind of gift you purchase, as your hand written notes will provide the greatest gift of all---yourself.
Happy Blessed Christmas, six months early!!!!!!!!!
