MICHELLE-HOLLINGERAs the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think about how we show up.  “Showing up” is different for everyone, but essentially, when we consider who we will spend the holidays with, whether we’ll follow our traditional celebrations or try something new, what will be on the menu (including who will cook what), and what gifts we will bestow upon our loved ones, we are giving thought to how we show up.

Commercialism has impacted how we show up because, like it or not, the holiday season has been permanently etched with a deep commercial component. (Many stores began assembling holiday decorations months ago and helmets, knee and elbow pads are now optional equipment to survive Black Friday.)

There’s nothing wrong with getting caught up in the shopping frenzy; however, with intention, we can also inject warmth, love and joy into our gift giving so that whatever we give to others serves as a reminder of what the holidays are really about.

We present this year’s gift guide with the hope that as you embark upon your holiday shopping, you will do so with a huge piece of your SELF in the process by being fully present – mind, body and soul. When you show up fully in any experience, you enhance the enjoyment factor simply by virtue of your intention. As it relates to gift selection and giving, the whole experience goes to a deeper, more sacred level that truly brings the adage “it’s the thought that counts” to life!

Our Gift Guide includes holiday shopping ideas, whether you’re buying tech toys and gadgets for the people on your list who are into the latest electronics products; or you’re shopping for the avid reader who savors new books, whether fiction or nonfiction. For those of you looking to add a little imagination to your gift giving, we’ve included ideas for creating special gifts for that special person in your life.

Whatever approach you take, we hope that your holiday season is everything that you desire; and you and your loved ones experience peace, joy, prosperity and loads of holiday fun.