Holidays.

If that word brings up a feeling other than joy for you this year, I may understand. There were a few years after my husband drowned that I wanted to fast-forward through November and December. But it’s better now, and I’m here to share some thoughts about things that helped me, and that might also help you.

Today I’m sharing one idea that was given to me a few years ago. It may sound odd - it did to me, at first, but now it’s become something I look forward to.

Give a gift -

to yourself.

I know, it might feel strange, but someone once told me that now that there wasn’t someone else around to care for me and buy me gifts, I might consider caring for myself and taking that role.

I read a few articles that backed up that idea, so, after quite a few mental battles, I decided to go for it.

I bought an inexpensive, but pretty jewelry set - a bracelet and matching earrings. (I love a little bling!)

I took them home, wrapped them beautifully, and put them underneath the tree.

Once the gift was wrapped and placed there, I found that each time I walked past the tree, it made me smile. I would anticipate opening the gift on Christmas morning, and I’d think about wearing them with a certain outfit, and every thought about them made me happy.

Yes, it was a little thing, but it was one thing that helped bring happiness to the season. And not every year have I bought something - it can be a decision to do something for myself that I’ve been putting off, but that I know will bring me happiness, like a written commitment to read those few books that I’ve REALLY wanted to, but just haven’t gotten around to. That is a gift to me that truly changes my life.

Whatever it is, wrap it, and put it under the tree, to remind you that there IS something to look forward to - and that we can choose to find joy in even small things.

So, there’s one idea that may help you through the next few weeks with a little more cheer.

Choose a gift, and get out the wrapping paper!