It’s easy to get caught up on the consumerism that comes along with the holiday season. New products are launched; product is on the shelves screaming at us to buy; and it’s perfectly acceptable to leave lists of what you want people to buy them around (BEATS BY DR DRE).

It’s a fun and joyous time of year … for most of us.

Christmas 2015

I have been blessed – I love my home, am in love with a wonderful partner and we have built a good life together, I have a great family, great friends, an education, a career, hobbies, health, food in my belly … and a cat who I love like crazy despite how grumpy she can get.

Scarlet is so cute sometimes!

This year, more than ever, I recognize that no matter what I buy, there will always be a new product out there that I want – but want is different than need.

I need for nothing, I am grateful for what I have. I am blessed.

I don’t need to rush to the stores, stand in lines and covet what others might have that I don’t.

This holiday season I am focused on giving back – giving back to my family, giving back to my community, giving back to those who have less.

What do get someone who has everything? Give them NOTHING – instead give them the gift of your time, while giving necessities to someone in needs.

I live in Toronto –people in my community need not go hungry, they should not be cold, and they should not be without a home. There are people and animals that need food, shelter and love – and the rest of us have enough that we can afford to give.

During this holiday season I ask for everyone to do 3 things – and I promise you will be better off because of it:

1. Be grateful for what you have instead of bitter for what you don’t
2. Love your friends and family and give the gift of time
3. Give back to those in need. To them it could mean the world and you will be a better person because of it

2016 was a challenging year across the globe – let’s close it off right, and carry the gratitude and generosity into all of 2017.