Your Gift

Your Gift

One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of marketing this time of year. I also truly believe that there is a spirit that fills many gaps. These gaps are filled with people that “believe!” They believe in themselves because other people, at some point, have believed in them. Your gift is you!

Most people are just about as happy as they commit to being during the holidays. Just like all times of the year, their happiness and the happiness of the people around them is generated by their treatment of each other. During my review of the literature, I even found articles and websites that give you tips on “Holiday Happiness.”

For me, it’s the same formula as it is every day, only at certain times of the year, the profit margin drives more friendly opportunities for us to experiment during the marketing of the “season.” Let me be clear- that's not my motive but if I have more opportunity to spend time with friends and family, that is my spirit. There are movie releases,  lights, themes, hugs, food, and people act differently, albeit for better or for worse. Wake up, people! It’s climate and culture. Happy people outperform unhappy people. Grateful people are happier (earlier blog post). So, if we can infuse any of those things in our lives to make the people around us happy, then let’s do it!

I love just about everything about the holiday season because you get many positive prompts, and it allows me to spend more time with people that are close to me. Keep it genuine. One authentic smile is better than ten fake laughs. So, spread the spirit in YOU! : Please, thank you, you’re welcome, how may I help, I love you. Donate a pair of socks. I think this weekend we will run with the Santas to create awareness for cold feet.

Oh yes, I promised my daughter the leftover turkey soup recipe:

The amount depends on how much you make. I usually use 3 quarts of broth. Chicken broth, shredded turkey or chicken, salt and pepper to taste (be careful, some broth already has a lot). One or two bay leaves, sprinkle of basil – bring to a boil then simmer for half an hour. Cut up carrots and celery. Put in some celery top stalks with the leaves. You can remove at the end. Dump in the pot along with frozen or fresh corn kernels. Simmer for another half hour. Dump in half a pound of tiny pasta and monitor until the pasta is cooked. Serve. Ta-Da!