Ah, December. The month where the air is crisp, the cocoa is flowing, and your inbox is overflowing with sales emails screaming, “LAST CHANCE!” But amid the twinkle of holiday lights and the steady hum of Mariah Carey on repeat, there’s a deeper resonance to this time of year. As the clock ticks toward the end of 2024, I find myself in a reflective mood.
This is the last blog post of the year, and what better topic to close on than the essence of December—the season of giving, gifting, and aligning with your purpose. It’s not just about maxing out credit cards (please don't do that) or battling strangers for the last scented candle (this either). It’s about elevating these traditions with intention and meaning.
Let’s unwrap this idea, shall we?
Giving with Heart, Not Just Habit
If you know me, you know that gifts are my love language—a.k.a. how I show love to others.
Whether it’s a small token or a grand gesture, there’s something special about finding or creating just the right gift that tells someone, “I see you, and I care about you.” But let’s be real: not every gift needs to come in a box with a bow.
This season, consider giving with heart rather than habit. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive; it just has to matter. Maybe it’s sharing your time with someone who needs it, writing a note to express your gratitude, or offering a listening ear when someone’s struggling. These acts of giving, just like a thoughtfully chosen gift, carry the kind of weight that makes someone feel truly valued.
So, if you’re like me and gifts are your way of showing love, remember that the what matters less than the why. It’s the heart behind the gesture that makes it unforgettable.
Gifting with Purpose, Not Pressure
Let’s move on to the art of gifting—the thrilling, sometimes stressful pursuit of finding that perfect something for the people we care about. Here’s a tip: ditch the pressure and lean into purpose.
Purposeful gifting is about aligning your choices with what matters most to you and the recipient. For example:
Support causes you believe in: Gift items from businesses that champion social good or sustainability.
Create moments, not clutter: Experiences like a shared dinner, a heartfelt letter, or a simple walk together can mean more than anything store-bought.
Make it personal: Think about what lights up the recipient. A small, thoughtful gesture can go farther than a big-ticket item they won’t use.
Remember, gifting with purpose is about connection, not perfection. Whether it’s a handpicked novel, a homemade treat, or simply showing up with a smile, the thought and care behind it are what make the season feel special.
Getting Aligned with Your Purpose (Yes, Even During the Holidays)
Finally, let’s talk about alignment—a buzzword that deserves a spot in your December playbook. While the holidays can feel like a whirlwind, they’re also a golden opportunity to reflect on where you are and where you want to go.
Getting aligned with your purpose doesn’t mean having it all figured out. Trust me, I'm nowhere near! It means pausing to ensure your actions reflect your values. Here are a few ways to do that this month:
Focus on what matters: Prioritize relationships, traditions, or activities that truly resonate with you.
Let go of the unnecessary: Say no to obligations that don’t align with your energy or goals.
Set intentions for the new year: December isn’t just an ending—it’s a prelude. Use this time to envision how you’ll carry your purpose forward into 2025.
Think of alignment as the ribbon tying together your season of giving and gifting. When you’re clear on your purpose, every gesture—from a small gift to a grand tradition—becomes a reflection of what you value most.
Here’s the kicker: giving, gifting, and alignment aren’t separate ideas. They’re all threads of the same tapestry. When you give with heart, you’re aligning with your deeper purpose. When you gift with intention, you’re showing the people in your life that you see them, truly see them. And when you take time to reflect and align, you’re setting yourself up for a more meaningful life—one that shines brighter than any holiday decoration.
Farewell to 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reminded of this year’s theme: #AlignedElevation. It’s been a journey of growing upward and inward, staying true to purpose, and making space for what truly matters. December is the perfect moment to reflect on that journey—to celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, and carry forward the lessons into a new chapter.
This season, think about the legacy you’re creating. How are you showing up for others and for yourself? Are you leaving room for grace, joy, and alignment, or are you overloading your plate (and your Amazon cart)? Yes to the latter!
The truth is, the best gifts—whether given, received, or experienced—don’t come with a receipt. They come from a place of purpose, connection, and love. And that’s the kind of energy we all need as we step boldly into 2025 with our hearts aligned and elevated.
Here’s to giving generously, gifting purposefully, and embracing the magic of December—and the promise of all that’s to come. Happy Holidays! 🎁
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