5 Ways to Infuse Meaning to The Holidays

It is always a good idea to reflect on the meaning the holidays have for us.

The holiday season is typically busy with the hustle and bustle of preparing for celebrations and gathering with family and friends.

The tendency for many of us is to rush around madly trying to buy the right gifts, decorate our homes, attend a variety of parties, and generally scurry until we practically fall from exhaustion.

Is this how it is meant to be? Not that we shouldn't enjoy gift-giving and merrymaking - indeed, we should!

However, it is most important that we partake of the true spirit of the season - the joy of family and friends and the reflection upon why we are celebrating.

This holiday season could be better spent sharing in each other's joy, laughter, and spirit. It's never too late to get back to the real meaning of giving and receiving.

Here are 5 Ways to Inspire Meaning to The Holidays:

1. Appreciate why we're here. In case we forget, and sometimes it's hard not to, we're not here to consume, spend, and use up. Granted, we live in materialistic times, but with the world economy changing and prices rising, it's time to step back and re-evaluate.

Do we really need to buy on a whim? Do we need one hundred pairs of shoes or the latest souped-up anything? We're actually here to experience, enjoy, and share with each other.

Yes, we can exchange meaningful and appropriate gifts, but we don't have to overdo it. We can take our time and be sensitive to what the person needs or what will give them genuine joy.

2. Appreciate each other. Rather than focus on what your family or friends might want, focus on who they are and what they mean to you.

Years ago, when he was on the Oprah show promoting his book 'For One More Day', Mitch Albom talked about what he would say to someone who had died if he had one more day to spend with them. It certainly wouldn't be about the gifts you bought them or how much money you spent.

3. Be deliberate and make every moment count. Our lives are busy, no question about it. During the holidays, make the conscious decision to savor every moment. Who knows how many of you will be around for future gatherings? Parents' age, circumstances change, and life moves forward. You never know what next year will bring. Make the most of the time you have together.

4. Be kind and caring. The holidays are not pleasant for everyone. Many don't have much and will find themselves lacking at this time of year. Donate coats, food, and money to the less fortunate. Don't just give to those who have much; give to those who don't. You'll feel so good about doing it, better than you can imagine.

5. Be grateful and reflective. As mentioned, this time of year is busy and demanding; however, the real purpose of the holidays is not to run around finding the coolest gifts or to rack up credit card bills. It's to assess, reflect, and be grateful for the freedom and abundance we have. Take the time to listen to the beautiful holiday music, enjoy the gorgeous decorations, and be thankful for everything.

During this holiday season, make the conscious decision to enjoy the many spiritual gifts it brings: joy, laughter, and sharing with family and friends.

Understand that not everyone is as fortunate as we are and make every effort to help those who aren't. Doing so will advance your compassion, understanding, and ultimately your personal development.