The Christmas tree was trimmed, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, and 5 EMPTY boxes, wrapped beautifully, were resting underneath the tree.
Yes, you read that right – everyone who celebrated with me this year received an empty gift on Christmas morning. Now, before you call me The Grinch – hear me out.
This has been YEARS in the making. For YEARS, I have requested that my family spend time with one another, creating memorable experiences, enjoying soul-comforting food, and basking solely in one another’s love. This year, they listened. My mom and dad came in from Illinois – and they didn’t bring one gift with them. My husband didn’t buy me a gift, nor did I purchase gifts for anyone else. And when it was time to “do gifts” I handed everyone one of the empty boxes and two slips of paper.
You see, the best gifts in life can’t be wrapped up. They can’t even be bought. The best gifts in live are PRICELESS. They are intangible.
Once each person (and my cat, Shakti!) received his or her empty package, and the two slips of paper, I explained that this year I wanted everyone to focus on two “things” they wanted, or wanted more of in 2014, which couldn’t be purchased. I gave everyone a few hours to think about their two words and then we began to share with one another.
The Two POWER Words I Choose for 2014 are:
- wisdom – I want to experience life, live it to the fullest, learn from others, and gain more wisdom in 2014 through every thing I do.
- passion – Passion in all areas of my life – my work, my marriage, my friendship, my health, etc.- keeps things exciting. Life is too short to be passionless!
Pictured below are the words from the rest of my family members who spent the holidays with my husband and I. We had a rich discussion based around why these ideas were chosen for each person and why they valued them so much. We created memories by talking and sharing parts of our souls. And we also clued each other into what was valuable to one another. <<—-This is priceless!
Money Can’t Buy…
So, I ask you, what are your two POWER WORDS for 2014? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
(Full Disclosure: My mother and my husband did say that they both missed having a gift to open on Christmas morning. And who knows, I may never get the family to not give gifts again; but I applaud everyone for giving it a shot this year. For me, it was BLISSFUL. Shopping for others stresses me out. Placing emphasis on materials goods is not my thing – it never has been. I valued the time we spent together, discussing parts of us, so much more than spending hours opening gifts.)
