Christmas came early this year, I am sure of it. Holidays are often  stressful times for caregivers. We may not be able to follow traditions, give as we usually do, or keep everything going smoothly.

Giving can be a big struggle at Christmas. We often are stretched to the limit on finances, time and energy. There is not time to shop or the money to buy what we want.

Here are some simple ideas to move you and your household into the giving spirit without the stress.

First, take a minute to be thankful for what you do have; for life and freedoms, for air to breathe, water to drink, eyes to see. Be thankful you can be there for someone else in their time of need.

Second, be cheerful about establishing new traditions if need be. Life is full of changes, make them fun and exciting. Simply say to friends and family, “We are celebrating differently this year.” It may mean pot luck family meals instead of you doing all the cooking.  It may mean spending much, much less on gifts this year.

Third, plan ahead to be a lavish giver this season. (No, it is not too late to plan ahead-see quick shopping list below.) We know from experience that is more blessed to give than to receive, so go for it. Here are some fun things to have on hand so you can be a cheerful giver in trying times.

1. Cookies. Just one cookie in a small sandwich bag tied with inexpensive curly ribbons can be an encouragement to the clerk at the store.  Purchase cookie mix or slice and bake when on sale. Package them soon and tie with ribbons so your resident “mice” will know they are spoken for!
2. Candies. I keep a bag in my purse of hard candies (pretty ones for the season) and give them out to people I meet. It may be a couple in McDonald’s or the weary lady waiting in line at the counter. Add a sincere smile and a “God bless you” and you have made someone’s day special.
3. Little ‘pass it on’ cards with cute pictures and sayings. These are usually found at the book stores priced at just a few cents each. Again, I watch for the sales and keep a big stash in my bag. Giving, after all, is always in season!
4. Fix some gifts with an herb tea bag and 2 or 3 hard mints.
5. Note cards. When cards are on sale, I buy several boxes and have them ready. Three or four cards with envelopes and tied with a ribbon make a quick, useful gift. If possible,  invest in stamps and add them to the envelopes.

Here’s your quick shopping list:  box of sandwich bags (fold flap kind), big bag of pretty candies; cookie mix or slice and bake; herb teas or cocoa mix. And if time permits, visit the book store for ‘pass it on’ cards.

I give gifts to everyone who serves us from the trash man to the mail carrier and the guy that brings our propane. And, I spend very little money.  I always carry a stash of gifts in my bag (not just at Christmas time either.) Now you will have a gift for each person who enters your home.

Hugs,

Have a great week of giving!  P.S. Be sure to share this link with others who may need these tips and sign up for the newsletter.