Can you remember how you felt about Christmas when you were a kid?
If you were anything like me you would be waiting and wondering what presents you will get. You would really enjoy trying to guess what things on your list that Santa (and Mum and Dad) would get you. You might even have left circles around things in catalogs as big hints, or go crazy about the ads on the television.
The focus was on receiving material things.
As I have got older, things have changed a little. Don't get me wrong, I love a thoughtful gift, but I get more fun out of giving gifts. I like to find or make the perfect gift and watch the eyes of the recipient (or imagine it if they open it away from the house.)
I have the additional gift of a 6 and 4-year-old who both adore Christmas and their squeals and smiles as they open presents on Christmas day is heartwarming. As they discover the things on the list that they have received and the extra things that other people have thoughtfully chosen for them.
Yet there is an important lesson here...
Giving makes us happier and it's not just about physical gifts either.
We can 'give' lots of things - our time, sound advice, a kind word, a smile or a hug. It just makes us feel good to give back.
So to lead a more happier and fulfilled life, it makes sense to focus on giving back and the various ways that this can be done.
Volunteering is a great way. I have just got a volunteer application form from the place I have visited every week for the past year on various courses from craft to mindfulness and confidence and happiness, as I want to give back to them for all the help they have given me.
But there are so many volunteer opportunities to choose from, your child's school, local churches, homeless shelters, animal shelters, hospital visits, helping out an elderly neighbor, Opportunities are everywhere once you start looking.
Even if you are not able to get out of your house much, there are still loads of opportunities available to give back, if you are crafty, knit some preemie hats for the local hospital, or twiddle muffs for dementia patients, or organize online events, or tutor people virtually.
Volunteering makes you feel good. Helping other people makes you feel good as it instills a sense of purpose in your life that increases happiness.
It is a wonderful feeling and its addictive too, in a good way.
I hope that you all experience it and feel pure joy.
