postcards from nowhere

Greetings!

Well, apparently the holiday season is in full swing.  I know this 
because when I go out into the world the lights are blazing, the muzak 
is caroling, and the cash registers are ringing.  

If not for the occasional trip to the mall, I would remain blissfully 
ignorant of the traditional holidays.  You see, I don't celebrate 
Christmas, Hanukkah, or even Kwaanza.  Although I was raised Catholic, 
I no longer resonate with the concepts central to Christianity.  My 
'religion' is a personal connection with the rhythms and cycles of my 
source -- the consciousness inherent in all of life, and the elements 
of the earth.

I do hang colorful lights and give the occasional gift, with the 
intention of bringing light to the darkest time of the year.  For me, 
winter solstice ushers in the season of introspection, dreaming, and 
gathering together with good friends and good cheer to brighten up the 
darkest days in the yearly cycle of seasons.  Since my kids spend 
Christmas at their dad's each year, we celebrate the birth of a new 
year together and Baby New Year brings them gifts.  (It's amazing how 
they took to that concept.  Kids will eat up any excuse for gift giving!) 

So, anyway, I thought I'd pass on to you my top five gift giving ideas 
for this holiday season.  To be included on my list a gift had to meet 
several criteria:  it had to be environmentally responsible, easy to 
wrap, and have general appeal.  I'm betting that every person on your 
list would love to receive one of these gifts from you:

1. Time together - Play a whole game of Monopoly with your child.  
Take a walk with a friend to see the lights in your neighborhood.  Look 
at old photo albums with your grandma.  Take your teenager out for ice 
cream or a movie. Invite a co-worker out for lunch and ask about his/her 
family.

2. Undivided attention -   Sit still, make eye contact, and really
listen to someone.  Don't interrupt.  Stop multi-tasking and offer your 
full presence while you hear about your partner or your child's day.  
Let the phone go unanswered if it rings during a conversation. 
                                       
3. Service from the heart - Shovel someone's driveway.  Bake extra
cookies and share them with elderly neighbors.  Go caroling at a nursing 
home.  Offer to help a new mom with her shopping.  Give a massage or 
foot rub.

4. Love without conditions - Remember how it felt when you first 
met.  Let the critical and judgmental voices in your mind take a nap, 
and invite your heart to remind you about what really matters.  Offer 
others the gift of being loved for exactly who they already are, no 
changes required.

5. Forgiveness -  See into the heart of another, and notice that 
every single action they've ever taken was simply an attempt to feel 
loved, accepted, secure or happy.  Help them to feel those things now.  
Let go of the past.  Start today with a clean slate. Don't take things 
personally.  Move on.  Love can happen in this moment, right now, 
regardless of your history.

So there you have it.  As an added bonus, you may find that in giving 
these gifts, you receive them as well.  Be sure to remember to be 
generous to yourself, too.

May your heart find solace in the quiet stillness of the winter dark, 
and your soul light up with the love of family and friends this holiday 
season.

Blessings,

karen