What is a gift? The word gift wandered through multiple meanings before arriving at its current common meaning: “something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion without any particular effort or without its being earned.
Here are some “uplifting” gift ideas:
- Take time to match the gift idea with the person. A friend of mine has a safari of animal items throughout her home. So I gifted her with an elephant salt & pepper shaker. The gift was meaningful and let her know that I’d noticed this special interest of hers.
- Use Natural gift ideas such as health gift cards, spa gift cards or paid appointments for massage, facials, or reflexology. Candles, fruit baskets, essential oil gift sets, books or herbal teas to warm the soul may be appropriate. Herbal teas have many amazing health benefits and their aromas can evoke calm and peaceful feelings. No tea lover can ever have too much tea! Himalayan salt lamps are natural air purifiers. They cleanse the air and help ease allergies and asthma symptoms; they may help boost the mood and help one get deeper sleep.
- Other uplifting holiday gift ideas are: Give someone a gift that is not a monetary object. Give something that will help their personal development, a personalized card, something you can share together, words of encouragement, create a keepsake wooden box and fill it with inspirational quotes.
- Put thought into each gift. Ensure they are uplifting, positive, inspirational, motivational.
The ultimate Gift: Frankincense, Myrrh and gold. These were brought to the baby Jesus by the three Wise Men and WE are still benefiting from those today! Frankincense used as a resin or essential oil, is opening and is relaxing for both the mind and the body. Myrrh is used for inflammation and is applied to the mouth for soreness, swelling, inflamed gums and teeth, cancer sores and bad breath. Additionally, in Bible times, frankincense and myrrh, often used in combination, were burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria.
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were the richest of gifts that could be offered to a newborn King. But their significance lies not so much in the fabulous wealth they represented, but instead the gifts are clues to the identity of the Wise Men and their recognition of the King!
And don’t forget the importance of the gift of LOVE.
Uplifting Gifting should not be focused on the cost or size of the gift, but the true spirit of giving is doing for others with no expectation of gain.
Your Wellness Friend:
Shirley Golden, Staff ND, The Health Patch – Cultivating Naturopathic Care for Total Health
The Health Patch 1024 S. Douglas Blvd, MWC, ph:736-1030, e-mail: [email protected].
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
