Master Your Mindset #12:
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Roy L Smith
The most magical time of the year is from the 3rd Thursday in November until January 1st. It’s 5-6 weeks that we set aside each year to celebrate everything and everyone we are grateful for. While there are scrooges out there who despise the holidays for its commercialization, I believe the rest of us know that it is about invoking the spirit of love and generosity for the people who mean the most to us and some we will never meet.
Gratitude is an important mindset.
We start at the end of November by taking a long weekend to connect with our loved ones. We stuff our bellies with everyone’s favorite dishes and celebrate everything we are thankful for. Mostly we are giving thanks for the people in our lives who mean the most to us. It’s a time we set aside to slow down and just give thanks. For those of us in a position to do so, it is also a time to be grateful for our successes and give back to those in less fortunate situations. It is a mindset that prepares us for the upcoming holiday season that can often feel overwhelming.
Your presence is the most important present.
As we get close to the holiday some people stress about the costs. Gifting doesn’t have to cost money, but it does require time and effort. If someone cares how much money you spend on them for Christmas, they aren’t worth the gift. The gift is something personal, the cost is no matter. It is the thought and the intention that is meaningful. Your presence is the most important present. Most of us are so busy each day with life’s obligations that it’s easy to let time pass without truly connecting with those who mean the most to us. Often, we live long distances apart and spend most of our days working. The holiday is a time we prepare to take time off from work, school, or travel to be close to our family and friends and that is the greatest gift of all.
Generosity is a reflection of your gratitude.
Generosity is invaluable whatever form it takes. From giving your time to spending your money, any act of generosity reflects your gratitude. From sending a family photo or gift to sending a warm text message, your time, effort, and acknowledgment are what makes people feel your love and appreciation. In the words of Maya Angelou “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What’s the holiday “doggie bag” takeaway?
It’s that it’s your time, effort, and acknowledgment which means the most. So, for all you scrooges out there who are down on the holidays because of its commercialization, remember, no one is twisting your arm to spend money and those gifts aren’t what makes good people feel loved anyway. Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy winter solstice, and happy holiday to everyone, everywhere in the world. May you be filled with a mindset of gratitude and generosity this holiday and beyond.
– Christi McAdams