RHG Magazine November 2021

veryone can come away filled with holiday spirit after witnessing a bit of holiday magic.

What am I missing?

Presents! "Christmas won't be Christmas without

any presents," Jo says in that epic novel "Little

Women." And I'm all for presents, so let's reimagine the

way we approach gifts this year.

I offer for your consideration: Caring & Sharing Gift Exchange

No worrying that it will be going back to the store on Jan 2. No

sizes to remember, favorite color or heaven forbid, allergies to

consider.

Spark your imagination and creativity by considering what those near and

dear (and you!) really could use this year in the areas of:

Time: This could include a booklet/gift certificate with specific time

availability for a friendly catch-up, a sympathetic ear, babysitting, or

whatever you have listed that the recipient may request from you.

Muscle: Yes, I did say muscle. There are times when the spirit is willing,

but the flesh is not equipped to do the job. It could be that you help

weed the garden, build a fence, or rearrange the furniture. It could be that you need someone with specific agility to reach a lightbulb in a ceiling fixture or some task that you'd appreciate someone else tackling for you.

Expertise: If your bliss is all things kitchen-related, then think about offering a special dinner delivered, or baked treats, perhaps freezer meals. If you are a genius with a needle and thread (or needles and yarn), you could offer a hand-crafted item from your inventory. My hand-crafted something would be in the line of a journal with a collaged journal cover or a beaded bracelet.

It's up to you what you want to share. The idea is that instead of things, the magic of YOU is the best item you can share.

Finally, what could be more representative of you than a writing project. Here's your chance to preserve history. You have the opportunity to be the catalyst of a whole new cherished tradition and deeper connections.. Perhaps it’s filled with family memories. Perhaps it’s filled with community memories. Consider recording your holiday memories of this year and years past in a particular journal that you share as a priceless keepsake filled with magic and wonder. Ask for old photos, and be sure to also get the backstory rich in detail such that you feel you are inside the picture. A true legacy of what you have experienced over the years and inspiration for generations to come.

As you gather together at this time of year, I hope you can create magic for yourself and your loved ones making new memories

and creating new traditions.

It's your story to tell, and you are

the only one who unleashes the

magic of your story and living

your life on purpose and how you

shine!

Mary E. Knippel, best selling author, your writing mentor, and inspirational speaker uses her 30-years experience as a journalist to support you to take pen in hand to unleash your story worth writing. Visit Mary's website at https://yourwritingmentor.com.

to read her blog and sign up to receive writing tips and techniques.

RHG Magazine November 2021 | Page 6