Head of the Pack

As December approaches, I get excited looking back on the year and writing out my Christmas card list. Reflecting on the family and friends that have affected the past calendar year is something I enjoy doing. There are so many people whose influence is both small and large, that I can't always make or buy a gift for everyone. The one thing I can afford to do is send a Christmas card.

When I was in college, I went to a small school of about 1,000 students. Every year, the school issued purple address books of every student with their home mailing address. When the first semester wrapped up and everyone headed home for winter break, I'd spend a day going through that purple book, marking all of the people I wanted to send a greeting card to. I always tried to write a few, meaningful sentences on how that person had affected my life that year – whether offering support in a time of sadness or distress or in celebrating a time of joy and happiness.

Although life is constantly changing and evolving with new experiences and new people, there still are a large number of people on that original Christmas card list. Although many years have passed, and our time together is limited to reunions, or weddings, or baby showers- these true friends have remained steadfast influences in my life.

Sometimes, the best gift one can give is a message of positivity, a few sentences from the heart that truly say, "Thanks. You have affected my life and touched my heart." In such a rushed and chaotic time of year, a reflection on the past year and message of thanks is sometimes the best gift to give as the frantic holiday season approaches.

Our Greetings section (pages 28-33) offers some magical, whimsical, and adorable designs. I encourage you to have your kids or students create a greeting card and give to someone that has meant something in his/her life this past year. Whether a mentor, or teacher, coach or relative – I know that this homemade message of thanks and positivity will be more meaningful than anything wrapped up underneath the Christmas tree.

Spread the message of positivity this season!