Will You Give Or Take This Holiday Season?

by: Joyce Hansen

I recently went through an experience with my family where greed was rampant.  It really made me reflect on what was important in life.  I arrived at the conclusion that efforts to acquire material possessions can bring out the “true colours” in people demonstrating their “me first” mentality.

In the past, it has been tradition for many businesses to buy gifts at Christmas for their staff, customers and key contributors to the success of their business.  This year, I challenge you to think of something that you can do on a personal basis for those who have helped you to succeed, rather than use your money to buy them a material type of gift. 

Money is a form of energy and has the most value when it is exchanged from a giving heart rather than a self-indulgent hand.   All too often we dismiss gifts we’ve received, re-gift or forget to say thank you.

Here are some tips to help you get into the true holiday spirit:

1. Buy a gift that you really like and give it away anonymously.
2. Write a personal note to everyone who sends you a gift thanking them for thinking of you.
3. Volunteer your time instead of your money to your favourite charity in lieu of purchasing Christmas gifts.  Take pictures to send, along with your Christmas card, sharing your experiences with your clients, colleagues, etc.
4. Trust that you will always have enough to look after your material needs and let go of the need to control the outcome of every penny you spend or donate.
5. Automatically ask yourself am I only thinking of how it can benefit my company or me to contribute to this holiday season or am I thinking of how I can help others in as many ways as possible to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas – the celebration of life.

As a PR and Communications practitioner, this is certainly a different approach to the “get your name in front of them” traditional practices, but I truly believe that you will receive all the recognition you deserve in meaningful and useful ways if you give unconditionally of your time and resources.

Enjoy this holiday season and reach out to others to share yourself, your wealth and the resources available through your business or workplace.  Replace greed with generosity and experience increased wealth and prosperity in ways that you never thought were possible.

Posted in: Family, Giving Back