There are several phrases that come back to me this time of year. 

It could mean that I have strong ties to the holidays, or perhaps I am remembering the times that certain people were with me. 

I also wonder if the phrases are an indicator of who I’ve been over the years. 

The phrase that is sticking with me like glue is about getting a year end gift ready for someone.

Gifts are wonderful to receive, as well, and yet thinking about what to get for others is where the fun can start at all times. 

There is something about creating a list and checking it twice when the end of year comes. 

Think about this next.

Who to add to the list? What would they grin or clap about when they open the paper? 

Then there is paper or a bag to think about! Delivery and presentation are part of the giving, too! 

I have given big presents that take an entire roll of wrapping paper to cover. 

No peeking!

Paper that was handmade for the person.

Paper that was handmade for the person right in front of you like the sheets you see here.

Finger paint, colored pencils, crayons and markers were all used to create for each person with smiles.

There were other times when a small nugget of fun was tucked into the end of stocking to find during the morning fun. 

What about the time when a stack of gifts was found and ripped into by long fingers? Meticulous care was taken with each small rip of paper. 

Rolls of laughter came along for joy and a thousand years of memories. 

When I was younger it was also about what to wear when going to a party when others were gathered. 

Make a year end gift to help others.

Then there is when we make a year end gift to help others we don’t know. It could be like what ValleyConnect has asked recently to continue doing the work they do for those in our community. 

Their network for good helped me pivot and consider another view. This is not new and yet gives this outlook. 

Let’s go into that next as it may not have to do with what we wear. 

It could be gathering what we have with what others may be able give in a way that does good for a group. 

Think about a time when this has been in your space. 

I have done this in my past and it makes a difference to those who are receiving a bit of goodness. 

For goodness’ sake we can do what is talked about in a beautiful way in the view. 

A year end gift can include time.

A year end gift can include time or a donation. Looking beyond the shiny paper, we buy and into the creating for what could help others sparkle. 

Reuniting to find

joy of chatting, and then

sharing of dreams, or 

creating calm in a space. 

What if that is the gift we give to others, to a group we begin to know and to yourself? 

Maybe we will need to get a bigger box to hold all of what is coming to us next. 

Take a look at what a year end gift could become for you.