the sharing of food, warmth and One way to bring meaning back to the holidays is to
hospitality.
Ryan has found a way to make
remember that they are holy days.
sure that everyone around her table
remembers the holiday’s true meaning:
Christmas, for example, Ryan’s husband ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe
At her dinner, each person takes a turn
gave her a box of 12 envelopes, one for Christmas perhaps means a little bit
listening, as the others tell what they
each month; inside each envelope was more.’”
appreciate about her or him.
a picture of one of her favorite flowers Who could argue with Dr. Seuss?
“When we feel gratitude for
that she could then trade in for an
what we have received, we have an
actual bouquet. This was a successful Frances Lefkowitz is an award-winning
experience of fullness,” comments
present, she explains, because it writer, editor and reviewer whose
Ryan. “From that fullness, you
demonstrated how well her husband work is widely published via print and
naturally want to give back. This is true
knew her—plus, it lasted all year long. subscription radio.
generosity, not obligatory giving. It’s
Ultimately, the best gifts are the
the natural process of recognizing what
ones given from the heart, gifts that
we have, and then sharing it.”
infuse these rituals with feelings and
values. They’re the ones that bring joy
The good gift
to the recipient and the giver—joy to
the world. Even the Grinch realized
Great pleasure is found in giving—or
this, right before his heart grew three
receiving—just the right gift. Last
sizes: “’Maybe Christmas,’ he thought,
5 great gifts
According to the Center for a New American Dream, 54 percent of 21st century Americans surveyed, “feel that
spending less money on gifts will allow them to focus on the true meaning of the holidays.” Here are some gift
ideas that won’t break the time or money bank.
Personalized cookbook. Give friends recipes for the kinds of food they enjoy. Throughout the year,
clip items from magazines and newspapers, and then compile them into a store-bought journal.
Something of your own. Giving away things we love to people we love is always meaningful, whether
it’s a family heirloom, a piece of jewelry or a favorite book.
Photographs. Who doesn’t adore a picture of the grandkids, a childhood snapshot of ourselves with
our best friend, or a visual memento from last summer’s camping trip? Frame a single photo, put a
series in an album, or pick 12 and have them made into a calendar at the photo shop.
Gift of experience. Giving activities—a spa day for two, a wine tasting lesson or sports tickets—brings
people together. Concert dates, brunch or a trip to a favorite hiking spot are other good options.
A donation. Send a check to someone’s favorite charity in lieu of a gift (make sure it’s their favorite
cause, not ours). Or, ask friends if we can join them in their volunteer work.
December 2008 7
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72