Christmas, With Love

Christmas is coming quickly and we are wracking our brains for those perfect gift ideas.

In Canada, we have so much. Add our tough economy this year and we’re asking, “What do we buy for someone who has everything they need, within a smaller budget?”

I know of an inexpensive, yet valuable gift idea for all those difficult-to-buy-for people on your list – the love letter.

A love letter is a true gift of the heart. Gifts of the heart are often creative and well received. You feel good knowing you are giving the greatest gift of all, a piece of yourself, expressed in your handwriting. The receiver feels the lasting benefit of your inner thoughts.

I like to believe there is a writer in all of us. All we have to do is dig deep and write from our creative space. Give someone what’s hidden inside of you, your thoughts about who they are and what they mean to you.

Here are a few ideas to get you started –

Dear [Loved One],

Have I told you lately that I love you?

Here’s what I saw when I first looked into your eyes.

Here’s what I appreciate about you and why.

When you _________, I ___________

Here’s what you bring to my life.

My favourite times with you have been…….

What I hope for the future of our relationship…..

What our relationship means to me is ….

Our relationship makes me feel …

This is how I see you…

When your love letter is complete, decide how you’d like to present it. Maybe you’d like to write it on decorative stationery and tuck it into a card. Or, you could decorate and frame it as a keepsake that stays out in constant view instead of getting stored in a box or drawer.

Whether you read it to them, or they read it to themselves in your company, you’ll both feel the giving energy.

Christmastime is connection on a grand scale. Don’t reserve love letters for just your lover. Write one to grandpa and grandma, Mom and Dad, your son and daughter, a special friend. They all need love too, right?

Your love letters will enrich your connections. They’ll be read many times over and will boost spirits into the New Year. They’re your love in tangible form.

One more thing to consider –

These letters become part of your legacy – the sharing of feelings, thoughts, relationships, and lessons. Save a copy for yourself. They contribute to your ongoing story and will be valuable to the rest of your family some day.

Now, Christmas is only ten days away. Time is running short. Go. Prepare to share – free, creative, love.