photo credit: BLW Photography

In recent months, through the death of my mother and the imminent death of another family member, my blessings, for health, life, for loved ones who matter, are more evident than ever. My priorities have shifted. I find myself uninterested in the usual, mad rush to shop, that I, like most, generally engage in at this time of year. Instead, I am recognizing a desire to celebrate Christmas in a radically new and different way than in years past.

So I decided to celebrate Christmas differently this year. Instead of spending money in malls and stores trying to guess what sort of thing each person might appreciate, I decided instead to share some of the things I already have that are meaningful to me.

In the Native American tradition, they call this sort of ritual, “A Give Away.” On their birthdays, many Native Americans give gifts to celebrate their special occasion, rather than accept gifts from others. Giving gifts is their way of acknowledging, and celebrating, the life they've been given.

I found that this idea of a “Give Away” matches my present state of mind, a mind-set stirred by the death of loved ones, and that prompts me to realize, with gratitude, the tremendous gift that life is.

Besides, what better time than now, in times of a down economy, to put a principle into practice of sharing with others what we already have?

I shared the concept with my family and they all seemed open to, and excited by, the idea. And so it has been decided, Christmas this year will be a “Give Away.”

For me, it's been wonderful so far. I have been going through my house, gathering gifts for specific loved ones in mind. I am giving things that are meaningful to me, not because I am ready to get rid of these possessions, but because I want to share them with people I love so they can enjoy them too! The anticipated pleasure of sharing my special possessions with people I love is giving me a whole new understanding of the spirit of Christmas – and it's not even here yet!

After all, the reason for the season of Christmas is to celebrate God's gift to us of his most meaningful possession, his precious son, born in the manger of our own hearts, when we accept his love for us. Why shouldn't I choose to share things with loved ones that I treasure as well?

In the study of prosperity consciousness, we learn that abundance is created through open flow. Like water in a stream that becomes stagnant when it is dammed up without an outlet, we too become glutted and stagnant in spirit when we hold on to things, or take in more than we give. To let things go signals that we trust there is more to come and creates a space in our lives for even greater gifts to come our way. Such an attitude is one that promotes abundance and plenty.

So this year, each family member has agreed to bring one thing they treasure and want to share in the Give Away. We will share a meal together and then take turns selecting something from the alter of Give Aways to take home with us, that through it, we might remember what the true meaning of life, love and Christmas is really all about.

Merry Christmas and Many Blessings,

Lynne

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