Regift This
According to Dictionary.com, regifting is "to give as a gift, something one previously received as a gift."
On the radio the other day, someone said regift is a dirty word. Regifting often has a negative connotation to it or even a humorous one if there is a white elephant in the room. This season, I am regifting my thoughts. The following are Holiday survival tips I've received in the past, and I'm passing on the best of the best to you.
Don't say I never re-gave you anything!
Respect that the Holidays are difficult for others. What is supposed to be the happiest time of the year is the worst for some. Unfulfilled childhood dreams of Christmas past, missing a loved one and the economic pressures of gift giving can wreak havoc on the best of us. A simple smile of appreciation for the weary store clerk on Black Friday goes a long way.
Employers, consider giving more than a paycheck this year. Gym memberships, Fruit of the Month Clubs, Coffee gift cards or special music lets your people know you value them as individuals.
Give of yourself. The best gift is your heart, not your stuff. Appreciate others for their heart, not for their stuff.
Intentionally affirm others. Devise a plan to make someone feel extra special this Holiday season. How about a "12 days of Christmas" with gifts of your time and talent poured out on your loved ones? What about a Chanukah or Kwanzaa season spent cooking together and simply enjoying each other?
Finish your shopping/baking/making early. Nothing screams stress like running through the corner gas station on Thanksgiving Day, praying this is the year they're carrying fresh Turkeys.
Take it easy in between and after the Holidays. Be gentle with yourself and don't apologize for it. If you can't do something, be honest, be authentic, but above all be true to yourself. Nobody wants your regift of stress.
Now your happy relaxed self, we'll take every time.
You never know, we might even give it away next year.
Audra Krell 