December 2018 - American Greetings Blog

When we think of the holidays, we think of festive parties and gatherings, snow and cocoa, warm fireside chats, and shopping until we’re weak in the knees. But what we’re constantly circling around is family; our beautiful, often crazy, sometimes drives-us-nuts-but-we-couldn’t-make-it-without-them family. Our families are the heart of our holidays, and whether it’s a feeling of comfort or disappointment when we think of them, they’re the people who love us no matter what, and this is the time to celebrate that love together.

Especially during this month of December, we want to focus on and think about the gratitude we feel for our families, so we’ve asked several people to share their stories and feelings about their own families with us. We hope you’ll be inspired to think about how and why your family fills you with gratitude at this special time of year.

I am grateful my family and home is a happy and healthy place…that we’ve gotten through some hardships and now have jobs and enough money to pay all the bills and enjoy our holiday festivities…that my children have good schools with kind, supportive, and hardworking teachers and staff…that despite the very painful loss of a loved one this year, all of my siblings will soon be together again to laugh and cry – in faith, peace, and love. Rosanna J.; PA

Since my family lives on opposite coasts, Christmas is the only time we see each other. Some years, weather or travel issues have made it difficult for us to get together, so I’m always grateful when we’re able to all be together and hug each other. Adam H., California

I love the Christmas season because my grandparents are still around. I feel very fortunate as a 26-year-old to have both my 93 year old grandpa and grandma. They live just down the street, so we do lots of fun things around the holidays. My grandma loves to bake. I’ll go over there a few times throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas to help her make some traditional desserts. My grandpa’s birthday is Christmas Eve. We do a brunch every Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family. Christmas Day they all come over to my parents’ house! My grandma is super talented at the piano and will just sit and play Christmas songs for hours! It truly is the best feeling of smelling all the traditional meals and scents of Christmas, the sound of Christmas music from the piano, and all the fun things that happen year after year because they are still around! Olivia V.; Ohio

My mom just had back surgery and is getting out of the hospital and will be home just in time for Christmas. I’m so relieved her surgery went well, and she’ll be able to be at home with us
because it just wouldn’t be the same without her here.” Sophie S.; Missouri

I love that my brothers, sisters and I all continue the same St. Nicholas tradition that my parents did for us when we were all growing up. When we get together, everyone shares their stories of how they pulled it off for their children that year, and it’s always a highlight of our gathering. I’ve always been grateful that my parents did something so magical for us as children that it made us all want to carry on the tradition. Lizabeth M.; Ohio

I’ve always been grateful for my darling Rose’s famous holiday cookies and coffee cake. Oh, the tree might be crooked or maybe a cow got loose and broke through the fence, but those things can never dampen the feeling of entering the house and being greeted by that delicious bakery smell that only my darling Rose can create. We send her goodies across the country each year to all our grandchildren, and they’ll call us as soon as the box arrives. There’s nothing sweeter on earth. Carl K.; Indiana

I love having my family around at the holidays, because it’s the only chance we have to all get together at the same time. I’m happy my mom is still around to be able to share in this season with us, too. Gina R.; Ohio

My brothers and sisters and I live in different states, but we always try and get together on a day between Christmas and New Year’s. When we’re finally all together, talking and laughing, it always feels like coming home again – that’s the best feeling ever, and I’m grateful for every year I get to feel it. Carla R.; Pennsylvania

Best gift ever

Let’s take a moment to think about holidays past. Have you ever said out loud, “BEST GIFT EVER!”

When you said it, were you the giver of the gift… or the receiver?

If you were the gift giver, you may recall the excitement and anticipation of finding something just perfect for your recipient, and the joy you felt making their wish come true. Just what is it about giving gifts that creates happiness in all of us?

Well, there’s actually a thing behind it! Neurological, behavioral and psychological studies report that our brains react just as positively giving gifts… as receiving them. Turns out your brain may light up just the way their face does when they open it! So yep, it’s really a thing! No wonder it’s the season of joy. And, now we know where the phrase “‘tis better to give and to receive” comes from!

If you were the recipient of that best Christmas gift ever, or that best Kwanzaa or best Hanukkah gift ever, think about the joy you felt when you opened it. Maybe it made you emotional. Maybe it made you cry. Or, smile a perma-smile. Now think back to why the gift was so special to you. This holiday season, how about reminding the person who gave it to you how important it still is to you? What better way to spread holiday cheer?

We can all agree – the best gifts ever are those that reflect things that are most meaningful to your someone special. The perfect gift is a reflection of their personality, sense of humor, what they believe in, think, or love. If you’re stuck on what to give someone this year, we’ve got some great Christmas gift ideas if you need a little help this season.

A Few of Our Favorite Feels

In this season of joy, here are some of our fave “best gift ever” stories from this holiday season. Spoiler alert – they’ll pull on your heartstrings a little bit. (And notice, none are ties, socks, or handbags.) They’re gifts based in love and sharing, in experience, memory making, and connection. That’s exactly what this season of joy is all about, after all.

Frame-Worthy Feelings

My daughter loves the water. When she was four, she asked my husband to print out a picture of her and I at the beach on vacation. Three months later during the holidays, she brought out a very special present for me that my husband knew nothing about. When I opened the very thoughtfully wrapped box with a bow she tied herself (almost), I discovered a frame decorated with shells she collected, framing the picture of us from that vacation. My husband did not know anything of her creative little secret, and I cry when I think of how good she did keeping it all on her own! ~Sylvia P, NY

Gifts That Keep On Giving Goodies

I received box of treasured family recipes from my mother handed down by my great-grandmother, through four generations. The box included about 20 handwritten recipes from generations of women in my family, explaining why each person loved the recipe they contributed, and memories of the meals that went along with each one. What an amazing way to preserve tradition! ~Jill J, OH

Music To My Years

The best gift I ever received was a play six string guitar from my parents when I was seven. I asked Santa for it for 3 years in a row! Who knew it would come to shape who I am as a musician today, and would be a part of time spent with so many others who share my faith. ~Ron T, CA

Memories on Track

When I was six, my father and I set up a train set in our attic. It was just the two of us, so that time was really special. As I grew older, I played with it less and less. But when I was twelve, I received a thoughtful Christmas gift from my father I’ll never forget – a Lionel 8800 Steam engine. This was no ordinary engine. It was die-cast metal, and I knew how much time it took him to find it, driving all around the city (pre-internet). I learned only later that he was very ill that year. Now, when I set up the train during the holidays it reminds me of these special times we shared when he was alive, and the loving effort he took to find it. ~Sean W, OH

As you can see – there’s a common thing that runs through all of these – thoughtful gifts that began with a little bit of forethought, an idea that’s unique to the recipient, and each delivered lasting memories or a reminder of time shared.

This holiday season, if you open up a present and say “BEST GIFT EVER”… consider yourself lucky. Because someone obviously really cares about you. And isn’t it nice to know they’re just as happy watching you open it?

Archives for December 2018

Gratitude for Family at the Holidays

Best Gifts Ever (And How To Be The Best Gift Giver Ever)