Energetically, in the Northern Hemisphere, we are heading into a season of personal hibernation, when our spirits draw inward and our bodies long for rest; we restore our Life Force, and honor the sacred stillness within. Our bodies and souls yearn to synchronize in harmony with All That Is. As Mother Earth rests in peaceful slumber, she invites us to repose beside her.

Yet, the busy holiday season is upon us once more; and if you’re like me, rest is the last thing on my to-do list! Instead, I’m running myself ragged between events, entertaining, traveling, family get-togethers, and finding *the* perfect gifts for my loved ones. For many of us, gift shopping involves a frantic visit to the mall, where we settle for an item that we desperately hope they’ll love, or at least find useful. This is why I find it so important to speak of the true magic of gifting with intention.

Sounds familiar?

Well, if it does, I want to challenge you to think differently about your holiday shopping this year. In the flurry of holiday preparations, many of us lose sight of the reason we celebrate the holidays in the first place. We focus on the WHAT of the holidays – the gifts, the food, the celebrations – but not the WHY. Why do we gather, why do we gift, why do we celebrate?

For me, the holidays are steeped in my roots in Judeo-Christian practice, when the Wise Men initiated the ritual of gifting at Christmas, pilgrimaging to bring the Christ child sacred offerings of frankincense, myrrh and gold. Those offerings, both simple and intentional, set the stage for all of our modern-day gifting rituals. And those offerings have significant meaning, as yours should, too.

My question for you is this: How can YOU become more intentional when choosing gifts and presents for your loved ones? How can you think more in terms of depth, purpose, insight, and energy when choosing items to delight and gift those you love so much? Try closing your eyes, and taking a deep, cleansing breath. Then, with your hand over your heart, say the name of your loved one, slowly, three times. The meaning you’d like to convey to your intended recipient will become clear at that moment. The true, perfect intention of the gift will reveal itself – what you want them to feel, the message they want to hear from you. For example, a wellness gift may resonate with a loved one who has been sick this year. Or a true love may enjoy a token of your Heart Chakra through a love potion or stone. If a friend is in need of positive energy at work or home, she may appreciate a gift focused on happiness, or – if the situation calls for it – a protection gift.

Giving an intentional gift will resonate all the more, showing your loved ones that you see, acknowledge, and honor them for who and where they are, right now. When we focus on love, magic and good intention when bestowing gifts on our loved ones, we harness the true spirit of the holidays. Gifts, then, become a powerful act of gratitude and acknowledgment, an act to be cherished instead of an obligation. And yes, this is true even for that ubiquitous office party gift swap.

Still, if you can’t figure out that perfect gift, allow us to help. You can search SageGoddess.com using a keyword – prosperity maybe, for a cousin, or happiness for your sister. Perhaps you have people on your list going through major life changes or challenges. Pick your keyword and do a search; you’ll find everything we have to offer to bring a little more joy and happiness to your loved ones throughout the holidays and beyond. Sometimes I use my pendulum when choosing gifts as well. This may be something you would like to try too? Shopping can become a powerful exercise in engaging your intuition and deepest knowing.

Rejoice in holding your beloveds close this holiday season. Take the time to truly soak in their joy and contentment. Know that there is a mountain of glowing possibility on the horizon for each of us, rising each day with the sun’s return.

Bright blessings to all of you,
Athena