A Kiss for You

I want to share some love with you.  I am hearing a lot of people talking about how they are getting stressed out for the holidays. This is is when the you need to go back to basics and give yourself some compassion and give it all a KISS.  

No one needs more "stuff" in their homes.  So what does that leave?  Here are 15 simple gifts that are always appreciated.  I have given and received many of these and they were much appreciated at the time.  (Number 10 is always a goodie.)

1. Fruit:: Think of wintertime favorites such as oranges, nuts or my favorite carmel apples. 
2. Postage stamps:  Yes, people still use them. 
3. Asssorted scissors:  Can you ever have too many?
4. Offer your services:  Do you do housecleaning, babysitting or car repair...organizing?
5. Spices:  Give a few differnet kinds of salts or pepper.  
6. E-books or online subscriptions: A trifecta if you have kids selling magazine subscriptions.
7. Donate to a cause in someone's name or as a memorium.
8. Homemade gifts: Breads, james, jellies, relish.  Add a small spoon and you're done.  If you don't do these kinds of things, find someone who does.  Many local farmet's markest are still open in the winter.  You can find one in your locations here.   
9. Burn a cd of your favorite stuff - pictures, music (be sure to check licensing details) or create a slideshow to send online when you can't be with family or friends.
10. Gift cards for stuff you hate to pay for.  Gas, car repair, grocery, oil change, car wash, Visa card to be used for emergency or unforseen expenses.
11. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers:  We received these as a wedding gift!  Brilliant!
12. Socks: Remember when you used to hate to get socks?  I don't know about you but somewhere along the line I started to get so excited for them. 
13. Your favorite thing. Tupperware, organizing totes, cooking utinsels, flashlight, tools, coloring pencils.  Anthing that you couldn't live without.
14. Your favorite thing: Do you have a special something you can pass on to someone who loves it more than you?  Or has admired it for some time?  
15. Your time.  Probably the best one anyone could give or receive.

A gift given with love and intent is always a well received by everyone.  Just keep it simple and enjoy a peaceful season together.

To your Most Peaceful Self.

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