Christmas appears to be rolling in faster than ever this year. And suddenly we are more focused on giving. Let’s not forget about receiving. I am already finding that a gift of homemade banana bread from a very busy teenager deserves high awards. A homemade pot holder from a friend who never gets to the end of her priority list means so much. A chance one-minute meeting with an old friend in a store parking lot is just what it is, serendipitous. We didn’t even have to go to the “we should get together sometime,” because we were already there, even so briefly. We may be rushing around, but stopping to receive and be grateful is definitely empowering.

Staying in the present rather than a focusing on finding the perfect gift keeps our joy right in the moment and ripe for multiplication. It’s the openness of heart I am seeking and the ability to receive with genuine appreciation. And giving something different. This year I’m stepping out by staying in and opening my door to my new apartment building neighbors for a holiday open house. Not knowing the results, who will come, what will happen is like watching a sacred mystery unfolding. I can’t wait!

A few weeks ago in the midst of my de-cluttering/clearing space project, I collected all kinds of valuable objects around my house and put them into a Gift Box. I found things I had purchased recently, items from long ago, gifts I have never used, etc. I closed the box and only re-opened it as the holiday season approached. Aha! This is perfect for this friend, this for a December birthday, this for another time, etc. Some might call it re-gifting, but I prefer treasure sharing. It’s very joyful. Someone else gets to enjoy this little item that I have loved for a short time or long.

And helping one another is such a gift. Whether it’s part of our profession or simply part of who we are, wholehearted living can never fail to open doors and create new opportunities. May all your giving and receiving be filled with joy.