Sometimes, between making dinners, visiting relatives, addressing cards, searching for parking spaces and attending school holiday events, the giving season feels a little bit more like the wear-me-down season.  The modern world doesn’t necessarily wait for anyone or decide to slow down just because it’s December.  Financial reports are still due, taxes accumulate, payroll happens and snow needs shoveling all in addition to the extras that come with celebrating the holidays from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.  I know am not alone in my occasional anxiety in anticipation of the holidays.

This is a difficult time of year for many people for a variety of reasons. There is an inherent pressure on people to be happy and enjoy themselves just because it is December.  It might be even more important to acknowledge that we all have a different way of enjoying the season.  I suggest that you connect with what is right in your world to give.  Don’t hesitate to give bearing in mind the things you are passionate about. Be sure to include some giving to yourself as well.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to give:

Give to your Family

• Being present with your family is probably more valuable than any feast or novel gadget.  Concentrate on spending time with the people you value most and be intentional in how you are together to create a positive time for them and for you.
• Give simple but meaningful gifts such as a hand written letter accompanied by a favorite poem
• Spend quiet nights at home with nothing to do

Give to your Community

• Remember, a kind attitude and a smile goes a long way to helping someone who is struggling in their day.
• Find a favorite cause and make a donation to help create the world you want to be living in.
• This is a fun video that demonstrates the power of positive communication http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jsxICZFB2Q

Give to Yourself

• Exercise
• Sleep
• Say no to requests and events that don’t serve your purpose.

Practice genuine giving that feels right to you.  All giving without a grudge comes right back to nourish you.