Thanksgiving and Christmas are one of the few times each year when families and friends make special efforts to gather in spite of distance and inconveniences. Because of that and as the celebrations of life’s good things, these are gatherings to remember.

Having an attitude of gratitude is the pivotal perspective to hold throughout the year; not just holidays. When we live life from the perspective of being thankful and appreciative of what we do have, all else falls to the wayside.


There are no ordinary moments. This is the essence of gratitude. No moment, nothing in life, should be taken for granted. In developing gratitude for every moment -- for the simple joys, and even for the challenging times in our lives -- we come to truly enjoy and appreciate life. Then we are able to see the magic that surrounds us every second of every minute of every day. (Excerpt from Way of the Peaceful Warrior)

Gratitude keeps us centered and wards off jealousy and negativity. Here are 3 things you can do each day to nourish your attitude of gratitude.

1. Remember who has given all things; Jesus Christ. Cherish and deepen this relationship.
2. Notice one thing you are grateful for at breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
   (That’s almost 100 different things your grateful for each month, WOW)
3. Keep a journal of those things you are thankful for. You will experience abundance!
   
   

Share your gratitude with others; it’s contagious. May each of you experience the joy and love this Holiday season and have an extraordinary 2009.

Rethink Your Holiday Spending

By Candace Bahr and Ginita Wall


Happy Thanksgiving, Ho, ho, ho! Turkeys and cookies are baking, bells are ringing, and sounds of holiday cheer fill the air. The holiday season is fast upon us. In this “most wonderful time of the year”, It’s easy to slip into the holiday mood and buy just one more present for an acquaintance, one more outfit for a holiday party—and wake up with a splitting-headache spending hangover in January.

The holiday season is a time of renewal and fellowship—and also time of wild consumerism. We seem to worship the mall and the Hallmark store, instead of our faith, our traditions, and our connection to our families and the world. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply “the holidays”, it’s important to develop your own personal meaning for the season. Instead of spending money this season, consider spending time with those you love.

The above is an excerpt from the curriculum (wife.org) for the INATM Money club. Each month we discuss a topic or money zone to help women become financially educated. If you would like more information about a new club starting next year click here

The following questions may help you focus on some of your beliefs around money and the holidays so you can make conscious and helpful decisions about your Christmas spending.

• What were the holidays like when you were a child? Were they lavish or low-budget?
  Were they well-planned or last-minute?

• What were your parents’ gift-giving rituals? Was there a spending limit per present? A
  resolution to only give presents to the children? At what age did you start giving presents to your parents?

• What interesting traditions do your family and friends have for the holidays? How have
  they saved time or money or added additional meaning to the season?

• What new traditions for the holidays have you started in your adult life? Why did you choose these?