Reclaim your 'Holidaze'

Are you thinking of alternative ways to experience a more meaningful holiday season?
More  individuals than you may even guess could be interested in investigating alternative ideas on giving gifts (maybe not giving gifts at all) or ways to entertain. Our culture is increasingly attentive to reducing waste and thinking more locally regarding purchases. Individuals can consider buying more functional gifts for each others’ homes. Surprisingly, folks find their useful offerings are truly welcomed. Household goods, such as new towels, cozy blankets and favorite foods are appreciated. Attractive sweaters, hats and gloves for the predicted colder winter weather are apt ideas. Try putting together a gift basket of hand-made   natural soaps, herbal sachets, organic candies, canned fruits and vegetables or fresh baked goods. Crafting gifts of home-produced bath salts, a batch of aromatic potpourri or festive holiday wreaths are enjoyable to create and can give a nice personal touch. Use quality ‘Fair Trade’ baskets with hand-made ribbons in which to place all your goodies for special people. Second-hand vintage items are still in vogue and a way to make a more mindful personal choice for a friend or relative. Buy environmentally-friendly gifts. Consider going ‘green’ in the season of red and green, such as giving presents of gardening tools for those souls newly interested in community gardening. Shop locally: breathe in the crisp winter air by shopping in the private family-owned stores for unique gifts that can support the neighborhood community. This kind of shopping avoids the wild commercial mall scene and allows a slower pace while smelling the aromas from nearby coffee shops and listening to sidewalk musicians. Take charge of your finances and create meaning by opting for the priceless gift of real experience. As previously suggested, you may shy away from buying presents altogether and focus more on making memories. Build an annual  tradition of visiting a state park during the holidays to commune with nature by walking the trails together. Enjoy family time in an inexpensive, quiet cabin sans electronics while encouraging interactive conversation and games. Your unique gift to friends and family could be your time, focused presence and attentive care during these special visits. Parents can use this time of year to cultivate the joys of giving. Projects such as charity donations can be a family custom creating seasonal continuity and   putting positivity out into the world. Starting a coin collection for local toy funds, gathering warm clothes for those less fortunate or delivering traditional festive meals to a sick or home-bound person are examples of benevolent activities. Focusing on religious, cultural or even the historical aspects of a season provides a vital connection to the past. At this time, take advantage of the opportunities offered to ponder the larger spiritual or personal value of all these events.