Life keeps us busy doesn’t it? Have you ever wondered what life would be like without a holiday season? Some might say “Yeah, less busy!” However, most would agree that the holiday season provides us with the all important reminder to reflect on all that is truly important in our lives. And although the holiday season can place more responsibility and commitment on our lives, it is a special time of year we would dearly miss. To get the most out of this holiday season, turn your attention towards G.I.F.T.S and make this year a season you’ll never forget.

G for Giving: The holiday season sends us all shopping to purchase gifts to exchange with our family and friends. However, the “gift” of giving can be an empowering experience if you give to those who will give you “nothing” back. Reach out to an orphanage, a hospital for terminal patients, an elderly home, or a shelter and organize a distribution of gifts for people that are often forgotten during the holidays. 

I for “You, Yourself:” Don’t forget about yourself this holiday season. Remember to tell yourself, “ I will eat healthy food, exercise (I will attend scheduled Martial Arts classes), and I will allow myself some vital R & R in order to have a healthy holiday season.”  Time management: experts say most people waste more hours than they realize, because they do not plan their time, they let time plan them.

F for Family & Friends: The inner circle of people who are most important in our lives can often be defined by those on your holiday card list. This year take your message of holiday wishes to the next level. For those family and friends you will not see during the holiday, give them a call.

T for Thankful: Take out a piece of paper and at the top write “I am thankful for…” then ask yourself how many things you’d think you’d be able to write down. Put that number in the upper left corner of that page. Your goal is to double that number and you will be surprised at how easy it will be! Doing this exercise in writing will demonstrate that the number of things you are thankful for, far exceeds your initial projection.

S for Sharing: Sharing can have different meanings for each person. For children, sharing can mean giving up a favorite toy for their sibling or friend to play with it. Adults may volunteer their time for a local charity. During the holiday season, we all share in celebrating life, the memories of those no longer with us, and creating new memories with those around us.