When I was a child, we did not get one quarter (OK, one eighth) of the gifts that folks receive today, but that did not matter.  It was special any way.  One thing that I know for sure is that giving has become so much more complicated than it used to be.  We are worried about ensuring that our gifts appear to have the right monetary value; that it is the newest model and that it comes from the right store.  We dash from store to store trying to find just the right thing and stress over there being ten flat screen TVs at Wal-Mart when there are two hundred people in line.  Somewhere along the line, gift giving has taken an ugly turn and is now a race.  What are we doing racing from store to store forgetting what Christmas is about.  What messages are we sending?  What are we settling for?

How can we flip the script just a little bit and incorporate some thoughtful simplicity into gift giving that brings back a time when truly the thought is more important than the gift?  What tradition can you start or revive in your family that would be memorable from year to year that could be passed on to the next generation and the next?  How about giving a gift to yourself that would free you to do something fantastic that would positively impact the lives of others?

What if...

• At least one gift you give to a family member had to be handmade.
•  You gave the gift of your time.
• You released yourself from a toxic relationship and gave yourself back to people who truly care about you.
•  You sent an apology to someone who deserved one a year ago.
•  You shared your talent at a senior center.
• You decided to live authentically and started a new career.
• You went back to school and become the writer you always wanted to be.
• You gave your adult children the gift of being treated like adults and set yourself free from handling their problems.  
• You gave yourself the gift of eliminating self-limiting beliefs in your life.
• You spent one day at home in your pajamas doing absolutely nothing but watching your favorite movies and drinking hot chocolate.

The possibilities are endless and the benefits are infinite!  What could you do  to make a difference this season?  What is one thing you can commit to that you would love to do.  Do it and keep it simple.