‘Tis once again, the season of gift giving.

It is always a perfect time to spread a little cheer.

It is a time to be thoughtful and creative. A time to spread a little loving kindness. A time to refocus.

Need a little inspiration?

There is nothing more precious than the gift of time and love. Undivided and undistracted attention. Children, grandparents, those that are house bound, friends in need, even your pets can use a little tender and loving attention.

For friends, family, checkout clerks, postman, bank teller, cable tv repairman, children playing at the park, someone sitting alone on a park bench…..the simple gift of a simple smile can mean the world.

Each year I try to simplify the shopping and wrapping and giving process. Naturally, I like to focus on all things healthy.

I hope I can inspire you with a few suggestions.

What makes you laugh and giggle? What makes you sigh with contentment? What makes you feel all warm and cozy inside? What brings you peace? What is a real treat?

These are the questions I ask myself about each individual on my gift list.

♦️Number one on my list is any contribution to a local or global charity. There are so many. The needs are endless. Involve your family and make a thoughtful donation. Give them in each other’s names.

♦️The Conservator’s Center – while this is local, it is worth reading their website. I bet there are similar places all over. Contributions can be made online. If you live nearby, make it a priority to go visit. Reservations are required. It is a heart warming gift for the giver and receiver. It is a gift for all animal lovers.

♦️Give the gift of a meaningful experience. Life is more than stuff.  We often give tickets to local plays, theater, and movies. Museums, special exhibits, or a promise of a picnic and a hike, can be just the right gift. Gift certificates for fun new restaurants (healthy of course) make great options to stick in a tiny gift box.

♦️Poppysol – Hannah Popish is a local herbalist and has homegrown herbal teas and soothing skin balms and bath blends. They are all crafted with love and care! It is a cozy gift for the winter season or any time of year. I love her Warm and Well Tea Blend.

♦️Amanda at Bat – a children’s book by friend and author, Lisa Winkler. A beautifully illustrated book for ages 4-9, it stimulates discussions on fairness and creative problem solving. Kids will instantly bond with Amanda! Consider, as well, Lisa’s holiday book, Clara and her Nutcracker. Her adaptation of this classic tale will surely delight all members of the family. I always have a child or two on my list!

♦️Our Souls Shine – another delightful children’s book by Cindy Irvin. She is a holistic health coach on a path to inspire wellness and healthy eating to children and families. This vibrantly illustrated book describes organic gardening and foods, with a clear message to encourage children to go outside and learn where their food comes from and what healthy eating is all about. Certainly a message from my heart!

♦️Beautycounter – if you care about chemical exposure and the ingredients in the products you put on your skin, then this mission based company is for you. Beautycounter has a list of 1500 toxic ingredients that they will never use in their products. Wow. Our skin is our largest organ, after all. They have a safe and effective skincare line for the whole family: makeup, lotion, soaps, shampoo, baby and kid products, a few items for men, and much more. New babies in your family? These are the safest lotions and balms to put on your delicate baby’s skin.It is a wonderfully healthy present for all on your list. I am a consultant for this company so please free to reach out to me if you have questions. Be sure to check out their top ratings on the EWG site.

♦️Twig – add this store to your day of shopping. They are an eco-friendly specialty shop that offers earth friendly choices for toys, clothes, kitchen goods, home decor, jewelry, and much more. You can feel good in knowing that what you buy at Twig does make a difference and is serving a greater good.

♦️To your health – needless to say, I like to inspire all things healthy and wise. Why not encourage someone on your list with a gift of a new yoga class, a meditation session, a massage, a new gym bag, a basket of fresh fruit, or health coaching? I have a health coaching holiday special, so feel free to reach out to me.

Peace to you this holiday season. As you go about your busy days remember to stop and breathe and refocus.

May joy be found in the giving and the receiving. 

Inspire, encourage, be kind, and spread joy, most of all.

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