It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or is it?
I feel like it used to be, but we’ve all slowly lost the true meaning of Christmas this past decade or so. What happened? It seems as though Christmas now brings on more anxiety for many, rather than joy. Parents and loved ones feel the pressure to buy every single item on their children’s or significant other’s Christmas list or face disappointing them come Christmas morning. We have to be very careful and sit back and reflect on who exactly is placing that pressure on us. I’ll give you a hint; it’s not our loved ones but rather our misguided society. I can guarantee you that the gift of your time will be treasured much more than any gift you can give.
I feel as though we are now living in the age of entitlement and although we have more, we’re not as happy as we once were. Sure materialistic things give us instant satisfaction, but the joy it brings us quickly fades. It’s replaced by the need for more, for bigger and for better. You see, if you are seeking happiness from materialistic things then you are setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment. Instead seek true happiness, the kind that comes from within and from becoming one step closer to becoming the person you really want to be.
Let’s go back a bit further where I mentioned that your loved ones would much rather spend more time with you rather than receive gifts from you. Why don’t we all focus on creating lasting memories with our loved ones. Rather than spending countless hours stressing about what to buy them and looking for that perfect gift, let’s use that time to spend with one another. Arrange for time you can spend doing something you enjoy like game night, an outdoor activity, or better yet volunteering together and giving back to your community. I challenge you all to give the gift of time this year and for years to come. Start a tradition where you and your loved ones visit those spending the Holidays in a nursing home, the hospital or find a shelter or soup kitchen that would really appreciate your help. You can even encourage your office to sponsor a family or individual in need and chip in to buy them something to keep them warm this winter and possibly provide them with a warm meal each month. Believe me when I tell you that there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you truly helped someone in need. This is something that shouldn’t only happen at the Holidays but is something you can do all year long. By doing this, not only will you attain true happiness, but you’ll also spread joy to others who are truly in need of your generosity. I’m not saying you shouldn’t exchange gifts with your loved ones, but rather than buying them everything they want, choose something sentimental that they will be sure to treasure forever.
I know that 2014 was challenging for all of us but we should all be proud that we worked through its ups and downs and we made it! Let’s embrace 2015 with a positive outlook and make it an amazing year we will never forget!
I wish you and all of your loved ones the Merriest of Christmases and an incredible New Year! May the Lord’s blessings shower you with health, true and lasting happiness and much love!
Sincerely, Marlene Minite