~ a "make a wish" give away & the essence of giving

So, Christmas is coming....and we are all getting in shopping moods...some of us are also getting perhaps a little frustrated about what to shop for whom. Some others might be having a little bit of a hard time managing economically...and Christmas can make this so much more intense...
But let's go a little bit behind in time, before overcommercialism took over our lives....then when people were looking forward to holiday season, mostly for the mere fact that they'd be able to spend  time together with their families and loved ones.
Then, when present giving was more clearly a gesture of showing our love, appreciation and care to someone. 


So if you stress about what to offer this Christmas, here are a few reminders:
~ Remember that offering a present is mostly about how you offer something. Taking time to create a package which is personal will as an act of its own, bring pleasure and feelings of warmth to the receiver. Investing time & effort in preparing a package is actually how we show we care for someone. In this way, even the most humble gift can become the most precious present!
~ If you cannot afford at all purchasing something, how about offering some of  your most delicious home made cookies, or a cake?
~ How about donating a book in a good condition that you no longer want, which you know belongs to the wish list of a friend of yours?
~ How about simply creating a gift on your own? Do you perhaps draw?...sew or knit?...make ceramics? Whatever it is you make with your hands will certainly be a wonderful present  to people who are close to you, so long as you also take into consideration their own personal taste when deciding what to make for them.
~ Finally how about simply offering some of your time in helping someone those days? If they are children spend this extra time with them, being really there, doing things together and being part of their world. If they are old people, how about helping them in doing some things that they have trouble doing on their own? Helping them clean & organise their spaces or simply being with them while listening to their stories?


....have these suggestions perhaps been helpful? I'm certain that if not all, most of you being part of this blog and reading these lines wrtitten here, have already made all the above considerations and even more!
You are invited and I'd love you to share your opinions in the comments section! Tell us what you think, write your experiences!  As for yesterday's discussion board, need I say how delighted I was to be reading your replies about what makes you fall in love?
Dearest Elisabeth, Angela, Madhu, Judy, Christian, Sylvie & artist behind Tropical Garden, thank you so much for taking the time to come and write here, sharing parts of your life, opening your hearts. Thank you for warming this place and my heart with your presence.


Now my turn to do something for you. I've specially prepared for all those who know me here in this online neighbourhood (newcomers are also welcome of course!) a Christmas present from my gift shop:


A set of four fine art photography prints in 5x5 size, belonging to the "Love games" collection.

How to enter the Give Away:

Just leave a comment saying which wish you'd make if you only got to make ONE.
Come on, make a wish....Christmas is all about spirits opening and hearts warming up!
Winners are all who will enter, but as sadly I'm not really Santa Claus - despite me wishing very, very much that I could be - only one will be randomly chosen to receive the present. You may be entering until 10.12.10. Remember to leave your email address when commenting, so that the elves can contact you!
And here's how your little parcel will look like when you receive it, but please keep in mind that  I usually surrender to my instant inspirations ; )

From our little shop corner @ home,which is slowly getting in Christmas mood, while remaining simple, wishing you all a happy day. I'll see you all later tonight here.

Love and keep warm :)...got to go make more of those cards among a few other jobs!


Ivy ~ xx