While wrapping Christmas gifts to send off to our relatives in the East Coast, Charles said, “I don’t want anything for this holiday. I just want to enjoy what I have.” It was as if he read my mind. I immediately jumped in and said, “Exactly! Me, too.” Then and there we promised to each other that we won’t get any holiday gift for each other; the act of not fussing about finding and getting a gift for the other will truly be a gift we give each other. In fact it would be the best gift for me – gift of time and freedom from stress and anxiety. In the years past we made requests to each other for no gift, but we’d end up buying something anyhow and end up sheepish about “broken promises” under the tree on Christmas mornings. This year I am going to keep my promise for sure. I have faith that Charles will, too.

The truth of the matter is that both Charles and I get what we need and want throughout the year.  What we need, want, and value the most nowadays is clearly our time. Time to do nothing, time to read, time to putter around, time to talk and laugh, time to goof around, time to relax, and time to nap. We truly don’t need or want any THING for this holiday. I’d like to make fond memories, play fun games, and create family stories together this holiday. I’ve already baked more in the past month and a half than the fourteen and a half years we’ve been married! Charles keeps teasing me about trying to bribe the girls by baking cookies and cakes, but the real truth is that I love the aroma of baking! It’s comforting, sweet, and homey!

I want us to be just ourselves without any stress, hurriedly running around, or guessing how to surprise the other with something bought from a store. “Back to basics” sounds good to me. Charles and I already have all we need—each other—to celebrate this holiday with so much to be grateful for: I have finally made the huge shift that I had wanted to try for so long. It is a grand gift to me and to Charles; and our daughters are so happy to have me around for their whole Christmas vacation for the first time! I truly don’t need to receive a holiday gift to feel loved, special, or worthy. I feel deeply connected to my own heart, Charles’ heart, and the hearts of my children, and such connections fill me up with all the joy, gratitude, and light I’d need and want. Not too much, not too little, but just right to celebrate this holiday season with a magic touch!