The holidays can mean something different for all of us. No matter where you are, how you’re feeling, or what the holidays bring, we want to offer new ways for “The Season of Giving” to bring us together. There’s great beauty in the reminder: “As we give to the world, so the world gives to us.”

People often come together to donate to meaningful charities, volunteer at hospitals and soup kitchens, or take part in food and toy drives. The act of giving, though, can be small and subtle. Today we want to share some of the ways we give during the holiday season, and how we look to fill our cups (literally, and figuratively) while filling the cups of others. When we give, we can create a type of abundance that turns into something more.

Here are our 12 Ways of Giving.

1. Laughter

Not everyone may know Coach Jimmy Valvano, but many can relate to his famous quote: “To me, there are three things we all should do every day: laugh, think, and have your emotions moved to tears. If you laugh, think, and cry, that’s a heck of a day.” Laughing is a big part of each day for me (those who know me well know I get a little carried away sometimes). In truth, laughter with others has helped me get through some of my toughest days, while also being at the core of some of my fondest memories.

2. Meals

Food can be medicine, and can also heal the soul. Whether it’s the healing nature of a delicious and nutritious meal, bonding over messing up a new recipe together, or inviting someone to take part in your holiday dinner traditions, food brings us together in special ways. Drop off a meal to someone in need, or even tell a friend you’re gonna swing by with takeout so you can get some quality time together.

3. Compassion

“Giving” can be as simple as:

Offer compassion to others rather than judgement,
Understanding that we are all unique and how incredible that is, and
Start from a place of love and understanding by realizing that compassion spreads one moment and one conversation at a time

4. Tea Time

You knew this was coming, right? This time of year, I get especially excited to share my love of herbs with others. Some of my friends already know what they’re getting as a gift (don’t tell me you haven’t figured it out by now!). Sharing time while enjoying the healing and loving power of the earth’s plants fosters a unique sense of togetherness.

We’ve created a whole new & limited time series of products for the winter season! Here’s our Mint Cocoa Infusion Tea

5. Your Ears

Some people don’t love this time of year. I think it’s unfortunate that, rather than listening to why or making space for what they might be feeling, we try to compensate and offer comfort by telling them how they should feel. If someone feels something, there’s usually a reason behind it. Try listening and offering them space to express themselves.

6. A Helping Hand

We sometimes forget we can help people near and far. We don’t always need to (and sometimes don’t have the means) to volunteer for an entire day during the holidays. Many of us, though, have friends who might be sick or alone. Stopping by, dropping off a meal, inviting them somewhere, or even checking in to see what’s going on in their lives could make a bigger difference than we often realize.

7. Knowledge

Some of the greatest gifts I’ve received have simply been learning something new. What’s more, when it’s a friend you’re teaching, you’re experiencing quality time together, laughter, joy, and so much more, all while either teaching them or learning a new skill. How to build something, fix something that’s been important in your life, a sport, painting, a new board game… Listen for the times those around you are expressing a desire to learn what we might already know.

8. Give to Yourself

You deserve the same love and care that you so freely give to others. Take a bath, treat yourself to a quiet night in, or go do something you love. Offer yourself reminders and care. Holidays can be a stressful time, and you deserve joy and peace.

We’ve updated some of our body care products, including our Deep Relax Body Soak!! It’s filled with hydrating salts, essential oils, and more to restore your body and help you get into a wonderful mood and deep relaxation.

9. Nature

What about giving TO nature? Nature sustains us in ways we often forget: including the air, the plants, and the animals. How can we “give” something back? Maybe you want to go plant some new flowers, pay some love and gratitude to the land, or learn more about what’s happening with the wildlife in your area.

10. Sharing Traditions

One of the most wonderful things that’s come into my life over the years is either learning about, or becoming part of, other people’s holiday traditions. I’ve learned that some cultures have a deeper connection to traditions, and stepping into them can enrich our own. There’s something magical about connecting with ancestors, establishing something you do every year to honor your lineage (both past and future), and witnessing the wonder of what others habitually do this time of year. Take an opportunity to either ask those around you about their traditions, or invite others into your own.

11. Your Presence

As the years go on, one of the things I value most is time with the people I love. Not doing anything in particular, just being. When I get together with my best friend, we sometimes will just sit together in silence. Our presence to each other brings the other incredible comfort and love. Don’t underestimate how much of a difference your physical presence alone makes in other people’s lives.

12. Your Favorite Things

This will be different for everyone (can you guess what ours are? Are we too predictable?!!). What favorite things can you share to brighten someone’s day, including your own? Sharing these can be so exciting with your friends, children, nieces and nephews, neighbors, and more.

Here’s one of our new favorite beverages:

Cranberry Hawthorn Mocktail

Wrapping Up

We encourage you to choose a few ideas from this list not just for the holidays, but to carry forward year round. Giving is an act that endlessly gives back, filling your own cup as much as it fills the cup of who or what you give to. The holidays can serve as a reminder that we really shouldn’t need reasons (or excuses) to get together with others, especially the people we love. We should make time for what, and who, is important to us no matter the time of year.

You can see our other seasonal products as well as our full offerings at www.herbsfromtheheart.com

This article is for educational purposes only. Our articles have not been evaluated by the FDA and our products do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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12 Ways of Giving

Here are our 12 Ways of Giving.

Cranberry Hawthorn Mocktail

Wrapping Up

Sip on the Season: The Flavors of Fall for Wellness