Give the gift of Love Notes - start a new holiday tradition

Does the holiday season stress you out? Are you anxious about perceived slights, resentments and tensions surfacing during this special time? Are you worried about money, of not being able to afford the gifts your loved ones have on their lists? Are you waiting in line to pick up “something” to be wrapped at the last minute so everyone has “something” to open under the tree? Does the materialism of Christmas make you cringe?

Consider a new approach. Create a space of love, kindness and acknowledgement. Let your loved ones know how much you cherish and love them. I created and organized one of the best Christmas’s ever with Love Notes. This is the perfect solution especially for kids who have no money, or loved ones who travelled far with one suitcase to be together at the holidays,

Here’s how it works: In advance of Christmas Day, give each person who will be there to do this: Ask each person to write, on separate pieces of paper, three things that they love about each person who will be present Christmas morning. Be specific in your appreciation. “I love how you always show up for every game I play” or “your courage and tenacity inspire me” or “I love making and decorating Christmas cookies with you” ( I do this every year with my granddaughter).

Purchase (or make) small holiday gift bags and make one for each person with their name on it. Be as creative or as simple as you want – remember it’s what inside that counts. (PHOTOS)You will find that your family and friends will want to do this every year.

Ask your guests to deposit their notes in each bag or collect the notes from everyone and sort them into the bags. Put them under the tree and on Christmas morning, distribute these gift bags first. Go around the room and ask each person to read them aloud. One year my brother-in-law wrote poems for everyone, my stepdaughter made art with her creations. One of my nephews broke down in tears. The tears, the laughter, the positive energy in the house will simply amaze you.

Why? Because our words matter. The Love Notes mean we have been paying attention and give us an opportunity to acknowledge ( I see you), to be vulnerable, to give and accept love. How many other moments in life can you soak up love and gratitude?   Many of us many not be comfortable telling our loved ones how much we love them on a regular basis, or to be specific in our gratitude. This is a practice that encourages observation, probing of our inner selves and practicing gratitude for what we do have, who we have in our lives. You may find that your family and friends will want to do this every year.

I would love to hear from you if you try this, or already have a similar ritual for your family. pam@pambradleycoaching.com

Happy Holidays from my heart to yours.