So now that Thanksgiving Day has passed we enter what some people call the busiest shopping season of the year.  Not sure how true this is, but that's what everyone says.  Let's just call it a busy shopping season.

If you look at the papers you will see sale after sale.  The day after Thanksgiving there is the 6 to Noon sales or even more earlier.  Many of these sales are while supplies last!  You get there and all gone.  Or you end up buying a bunch of other stuff you do not need or the person you are buying it for does not need or even want.

Before you go out there and spend your hard earned money, take one moment to ask yourself...what is this all about.  What is the intent of the holiday season.  If you watch how you behave and think, in some cases, you will think it is about stress, guilt, not wanting to be embarrassed, this is what I am supposed to do followed shortly by stress, why did I buy all these toys, guilt for not liking what you received, more spending as you use the gift cards you got and so much more.

I think the original intent of the holiday season is love, friendship, gratitude, giving (of yourself), fun, community, sharing (of you), introspection, gratefulness, Family, prayer, celebration, and love again.  What did not make this list are guilt and stress.

Our economy seems to be measured by retailer sales vs last year.  Spend, spend, spend.  On stuff, stuff, stuff.  If you can't think of the right gift, get a gift card.  Wow so much thought there.  How about a personally handwritten note just to me...saying I am glad we are friends.

Gift giving is fun and nice.  I really enjoy getting nice clothes or a good book.  I also enjoy seeing the happy faces of kids, friends and family when they open a gift from me that reflect far more than the gift itself.  My favorite gifts are ones that warm my heart.  That old picture from an old friend.  That drawing from my kids. Give with the right intent.  Remember the old saying it is the thought that counts.  

So think about what you are giving.  Not the price of it.  It is the thought that counts.  So enjoy yourself while shopping.  If you begin to feel stressed out, pause and smile.