Swoot Tip #2~Gifting

I'd mentioned in an earlier post that this holiday would be significantly different from those in the past. The look, feel/texture, energy, elements, people, surroundings/environment, and gifts would reflect the different vibrations of where I'm at right now.

One of those aspects involves gifting. I didn't go all out this year, in fact of the few gifts I am giving, all reflected my values of less, simplicity, authenticity, and consumable. I bypassed packaging and used what I had on hand, paper sacks decorated with leftover ribbon. 

A few of our friends received these air plants. Pryce and I ordered them in October and she's been caring for them each week. They are named after characters in the Magic Tree House Book Series; Jack, Annie, Morgan Le Fey.......and the little one is named Peanut. He's not a character but he's so cute and tiny the name just fit!

All they require is a little soak time in pure water. No soil, no fertilizer and they can reside just about anywhere. We found little tea cups make adorable containers, as do inexpensive glass jars. We added decorative rocks and then popped in this piece of blue tinsel that feel off of my tree. We bypassed the $20 dollar terrariums and created our own versions.

What I most enjoyed was time spend with my daughter as we tended the "gifts". She was a little sad to see them go though her excitement was tangible when she gave her teacher "Jack" and shared his care instructions. (We'd also crafted gift tags with candy cane stripped washi tape and silver marker.) 

Other gifts this year included consumables, like steaks (our local grocer makes up delicious flat irons). I also found some great latte mugs this summer and knew they'd be the perfect package for tea and honey. I purchased a peppermint pig from Sarasota Sweets (it's become a favorite holiday tradition!) a movie pass, bulk chewing gum and.........me. I've giving the gift of my peaceful, calm, joyful, supportive, full of gratitude, in the moment presence, which to me is the most important gift anyone of us can share with those around us. 

I've overridden my tendency to shop excessively, to buy gifts just because I am supposed to or I have to. Any gift I've given, large or small comes straight from my heart. I truly feel that we are a society that consumes and buys way more than what we ever need. We buy for the sake of buying and though I pass no judgement, I know it is not right for me. In the past, I've bought gifts because I felt that it was what I should do and sure, I did it from the goodness of my heart but I have to say that I noticed it completely distracted me from people that I love to be around. I was more worried about the mess being made than about the people who were making the mess :(  

I'm not saying that I am opposed to giving and receiving, it certainly goes both ways. I've been supported and blessed my many people throughout the year. I've been received wonderful gifts and these exceed monetary worth. The gifts I've given have hopefully done the same for others around me. What I most wish for this Christmas season is to focus on the things that truly matter, the people I love, those who bless our lives, lift us up, support us, make us feel feel warm and snuggly, help us know we are unconditionally loved and appreciated. Those really are the best gifts aren't they? No material object can really convey how it feels to HAVE THAT in our hearts!

Though I'm posting this just before Christmas and it's likely that most everyone already has their shopping done, save those last minute procrastinators (like I used to be!), perhaps this is an idea that can take hold and anchor itself in the year to come? My revised gifting plan is really a reflection of redesigning my life and listening very closely to that inner voice within me. I'll be writing about we can realign our inner vibrations to create a more supportive outward manifestation and thus begin creating our ideal experiences every day....AND during the holidays! 

Where is your heart focused on this Christmas? What are your favorite gifts to give and receive? Feel free to share in the comment box below.