“Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is just say nothing. And sometimes the second smartest thing you can do is just start blabbing away, blah, blah, blah, just saying anything that comes to mind.” – Jack Handey

Gratitude

I receive gifts for the holidays, so I like to go through and clean out what I don’t need and give it all to people in need. Why wait for spring cleaning? There are little things that can make the long winter easier for others. Also, I think winter is a great time to talk about sharing – why don’t we share more and when did re-gifting get a bad name?

Thinking Thoughts

I believe intention is important. When it comes to holiday shopping, it’s the thought that counts, right? I always feel better about a gift I purchase when I think about the person it is for, how the gift was made, what it is made of. I think about if it is best for the person, and the world. I don’t want a gift I give to hurt anyone, including the person who made it. I don’t want a gift I give or receive to harm the environment anywhere. I know price and availability can influence buying decisions, but I think it can be more rewarding to slow down, think about the implications and opportunities of purchasing power, and enjoy the season of giving.

Rest and Relaxation

I believe sleep is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. I know time is precious and the holiday season can seem busy. Sometimes, I shut my phone off, go to bed, and sleep for 10 hours or take a nap in the afternoon in a comfy, sunny spot by a window. Winter is a perfect time for me to catch up on rest in preparation for the exciting new year.

Dreaming and Planning

In college, I was asked to write a paper about my least favorite holiday. I wrote about New Years. I analyzed people waiting until the end of the year to start fresh with resolutions. I asked, why wait to try to be better or do more good in the world? But, now I think that New Years is a beautiful time of year. Autumn Equinox is a time of gratitude, and can be followed by rest, dreams, and thoughtful planning for the new year.

Special thanks to Centaur the Great Dane.