What the Holidays Mean to Me.

I love the Holidays. I love the festivity, the family gatherings, all the extra Joy. The holidays are not about the gifts to me, although I love to give gifts. But I like to personalize my gift giving and truly make it something special from the heart. There are no boxed perfume sets in this house.

Last year I decided to make *almost* everything. I bought mason jars and I made alfredo sauce, apple sauce, and salsa all from scratch and gave them to the people I cared about as gifts. It was quite a bit of work. I stayed up all night peeling skin off apples as I watched a movie.

I made my mother-in-law a Zafu and Zabuton. It wasn't the best looking thing; I'm sure she had to resew it in a few spaces, (I'm not the best sewer just yet) but I did it with love and she did LOVE it.

And I made my father-in-law, my mother-in-law and my husband mala beads. I knew my mother would appreciate them because her and I are like twin sisters in some really strange universe way. Her and I love the same things. I knew that she meditated and did yoga, and I figured it would be the perfect gift.

So I made mala beads.

I hold last year's holiday time close to my heart because 1.) It was the first time I ever consciously gave gifts like that. I choose to make instead of buy. And if I did buy, I planned on buying from small businesses only. 2.) I made my first mala beads almost a year ago. I didn't know I was planting the seed for Shanti Presence. That experience led to what I have now. I am so so grateful.


I try to show love to people throughout the year in different ways. Whether it be inviting a friend out to lunch, Taking a nice walk, tickle fights, or giving nice hugs. Those are all gifts that show I love you and most of them are free.

The holiday season is a time where I am EXTRA EXTRA thankful for everything I have received. It is a time where I make an even greater effort to give love to everyone I know, and everyone I don't know whether it be through a physical gift or something as simple as a smile.

I know we all get stressed during the holidays, and it doesn't have to be that way. Next week I'll be sharing with you a few tips on how to be stress-free during this wonderful time of the year.

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Also, have you checked out the sales in the shop?

EVERYTHING is 25% off! And for an added way to show my thanks, those who buy from now until Monday will receive a special 15% off coupon code for a CUSTOM ORDER that can be redeemed after December.

If you are out shopping today, be safe out there. Be calm, be peaceful.

Much Love,

Dyamond.