Text and art by Annemarie Eveland

Photo: A walk around our own Green Valley Lake displays incredible beauty in an evening photo by D.J. Craig, well-known for his nature

“It’s magic time!” said one little snow bunny to his little bunny friend. They sat very still and they gazed in awe up at the ribbon decorations on the Christmas tree, and the magical snow falling around them.

Yes, this time of year is indeed magical. We celebrate our outdoors with Nature’s winter wonderlands and feel the magic of the Christmas holidays. It is easy to kindle the spirit of this season with all the glitter of fresh snow, strings of colored lights, cheerful traditional songs and music, our local festivities, and the good cheer all around us.

But this is the holiday month that also begs us to buy, wrap, and gift give to those whom we love. Yet, I propose another way of telling someone you care and love them. I call it gifting “outside the box.” Instead of tangible gifts that are sometimes not fitting to the situation or person, I instituted giving gifts that “keep on giving.” Here are some examples. 

When my gal friend Jodie was having her December baby, I created a “Good For” gift certificate to babysit her newborn ten times. I made up a little coupon book with each coupon for one of the visits. This gave her some freedom so she and her husband could go out to dinner, or even for the daytime when she had to run errands. She was elated and said she wanted to use the idea to “gift” her friends also. I was pleased to see that the “Good For” Certificate that I made up became a template for others to use also.

In looking back to childhood, I see it was my mother who started us with the giving of self. She had us visiting elder neighbors, doing yard work for them, doing dishes and housework, and as we got older, running errands for them too. Without saying much about why we were organized to do these things, it instilled in me a desire to help others. Making life easier and better for others was a natural habit that I and my ten other brothers and sisters learned and still carry on today. Rarely a day goes by when I don’t notice someone who needs a little lift in their spirits or a little help with something. 

In my adult years, I learned how to include myself in the giving. Including myself makes it feel balanced and rewarding. Sometimes when someone makes a request that requires too much of my time, energy, or money, I have surprised myself pleasantly by thinking through what portion I CAN do to still be helpful. I have been doubly encouraged as each time I share what part of their request that I could do to help them, they are very appreciative, and it works out best for both the giver and receiver. Neither have sacrificed.

Often it takes such little of our resources and time to help someone. Recently I was in the grocery store in the drinks aisle and shelves filled with wines. A lady was standing perplexed staring blankly at the many bottles of wine. When I inquired what she was looking for, she sighed heavily and said, “A friend from out of state is coming to visit and told me to get a particular bottle of wine for our dinner.” Well, when the store didn’t have that wine label scribbled on her note, I suggested another one that I felt would be very comparable. Now that is a very simple thing. But this is my point: it only takes a moment to be aware of someone else’s needs. And in one more minute, she had her dilemma satisfactorily solved. 

She turned to me and said “Oh, thank you so very much! And then asked, “Can I give you a hug? I am very relieved now.” “Sure,” I answered, “There’s value in a hug.” Then she handed me a little typed note about hugs. This is her little typed version of The Hug. 

 She blessed me with her happiness at choosing wine and then with a hug too. Pretty stellar evening in the row of wines at the local market. Life often seems to be made up of tiny moments that gift us with the good feelings of a shared memorable moment with another human being. 

In the last few years, my idea about holidays and how to celebrate them has changed. I have given away almost all my Christmas trees and many decorations but kept the lovely strings of white lights. Now maybe you are thinking, “Ah, she still likes to decorate with outdoor lights for Christmas!” You are partly correct, but I leave my soft lovely tiny lights up all year. It is such a comforting and pleasing sight to come home to welcoming lights! It also makes me feel like I am celebrating every evening, not just in wintery December’s Christmastime. 

I wish for you a relaxing holiday season, sharing with people that make your life significant and meaningful. If you share gifts that is wonderful too. But the best gift is YOU! There is only one of you created, and what you can give to others, outdoors and indoors, is the very best. Thank you for the immeasurable and unforgettable gift of YOU! Share your happy self and remember that you are an original!



The REAL magic of this holiday season never ends 

       Happy Holidays!