A Partridge in a Pear Tree

There is only one real deprivation . . .

and that is not be be able to give one's gifts to those one loves most.

                         - - May Sarton

Christmas lists....boxes....ribbons....tree...OH MY! 

Here we go again....it's twelve days till Christmas!  I've been sick for the last few days...some how caught a terrible bug this last week and it has really set me back.  Yes, I did get a flu shot this year, which reminds me that everytime I get a flu shot, I seem to get sick that year.  I 've been taking it easy for the last few days and will try to catch up this coming week.  Anyway, it's given me some time to read the new Weight Watchers Points Plus plan inside and out...and I'm really excited about Points Plus.  I love the new "Power Foods" and I think I'm off to a good start. 

Today I started thinking about the twelve days of Christmas, and looked up December 12th  in the book "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  The day is labeled "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" as in my title with the quote by Mary Sarton.  Sarah is one of my favorite authors because I relate to most all of her stories, plus she's an easy fun read.  If I could write....I would certainly write with like her.  I sometimes go to her books for a daily dose of inspiration and usually find something.   The book takes you on an organized walk through the year, day by day which I enjoy.  For today she suggests instead of giving your loved ones lavish gifts which will blow your budget, you instead give them the Right Stuff....which will be a one-size-fit for all gift: the gift of yourself...

On the first day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of my Undivided Attention

On the second day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of Enthusiasm

On the third day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of Creative Energy

On the fourth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of Simple Seasonal Pleasures

On the fifth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The Gift of Tenderness

On the sixth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves

The gift of Good Cheer

On the seventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of Beauty

On the eighth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of communication

On the ninth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of Surprise

On the tenth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of Wonder

On the eleventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of Peaceful Surroundings

On the twelfth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

The gift of Joy

"Be ready at all times for the gifts of God, and always for new ones," Meister Eckhart urges us in this season of giving.  Be ready at all times to give those you love the simply abundant gifts of Spirit.  If you do, they'll give you Christmas gifts you'll never forget: happy smiles and contented hearts.  And you won't want to exchange them.

December 12 - Simple Abundance - A Daybook of comfort and Joy  by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Mumzie