reviving the family’s traditional ways
One way to bring meaning back to the holidays is
of celebrating or creating new rituals,
such as making ornaments together to remember that they are holy days.
or cooking a meal for a neighbor or
stranger, if the old ones no longer feel
meaningful. Instead of obsessing about Christmas, for example, Ryan’s husband means a little bit more.’”
presents, we can spend this season gave her a box of 12 envelopes, one for Who could argue with Dr. Seuss?
connecting with people through each month; inside each envelope was
the sharing of food, warmth and a picture of one of her favorite flowers
Frances Lefkowitz is an award-winning
hospitality. that she could then trade in for an
writer, editor and reviewer whose
Ryan has found a way to make actual bouquet. This was a successful
work is widely published via print and
sure that everyone around her table present, she explains, because it
subscription radio.
remembers the holiday’s true meaning: demonstrated how well her husband
At her dinner, each person takes a turn knew her—plus, it lasted all
listening, as the others tell what they year long.
appreciate about her or him. Ultimately, the best gifts
“When we feel gratitude for are the ones given from the
what we have received, we have an heart, gifts that infuse these
experience of fullness,” comments rituals with feelings and
Ryan. “From that fullness, you values. They’re the ones that
naturally want to give back. This is true bring joy to the recipient and
generosity, not obligatory giving. It’s the the giver—joy to the world.
natural process of recognizing what we Even the Grinch realized
have, and then sharing it.” this, right before his heart
grew three sizes: “’Maybe
The good gift
Christmas,’ he thought,
Great pleasure is found in giving—or ‘doesn’t come from a store.
receiving—just the right gift. Last Maybe Christmas perhaps
December 2008 37
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