Every day should be about giving, but I always think more about it in December as the holidays approach. I have a favorite childrens story that I sometimes read to kids at school this time of year, called The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau. In this story a king orders the quiltmaker to give him a quilt. She refuses, but makes a deal with him that if he gives away all his possessions, she will grant him one of her beautiful quilts. As the king travels over his lands and gives away his prized possessions, he becomes happier and happier.  This story always reminds me of two things: there is great joy in giving to others, and we really don’t need lots of “stuff” to make us happy.

Here’s hoping you will have a great holiday with family and friends – giving of yourself and to others to make the world a better place.

Our family’s holiday message is posted on my husband Keith’s new blog this year: please take a moment to read it and feel free join in the conversation.