Warmest Winter Greetings from Medicine Lodge Ranch! I hope you had a peaceful Thanksgiving, surrounded as I was by loved ones (and lots of good food).
As we move into the next round of holidays, I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of my thoughts on giving. ‘Tis the season, after all, and many of us take comfort and joy in choosing the perfect gifts for the special people in our lives.
When I think back on the holidays of my childhood, what I remember more than any gift I received was the feeling of warmth and love I felt spending time with family celebrating the season. I no longer have any of the things I was given, but I’ll cherish those holiday memories forever.
Before you fill your online shopping cart with items for everyone on your list, consider taking a step back and contemplating the spirit behind what you’re giving. With intention, you can choose gifts that have rich meaning.
Because I know how busy and overwhelming this time of year can be, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite healthy holiday gifts.
The Gift of Knowledge and Transformation
The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary edition by Paulo Coelho
An inspiring story of self-discovery, the journey of Santiago, a shepherd boy on a quest to discover his “personal legend”, has become a modern classic. This special anniversary edition includes a new forward by the author. One of my favorite books of all time.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
All of Brené Brown’s books are wildly transformative for men and women alike. Give this to the person in your life who wants to work toward becoming their best self in 2020.
Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change by Pema Chödrön
In this book, spiritual teacher Pema Chödrön offers guidance on how to face difficulties with confidence and grace. I have given this book to friends who are traversing challenging times in their lives.
Pema Chödrön: Awakening the Heart 2020 Wall Calendar
Featuring insightful quotes from several of Pema Chödrön’s books, this beautiful calendar is designed to help us cultivate courage and compassion amidst life’s challenges. Awesome for those who still love the idea of “paper” calendars.
Wise Women : A Celebration of Their Insights, Courage, and Beauty by Joyce Tenneson
This stunning book features portraits of women, aged 65 to 100, who share their wisdom about growing older. Perfect for the wise women in your life — and their daughters!
The Remedy Docuseries
It was an absolute honor to be featured alongside so many wonderful healers in this powerful docuseries about ancient remedies for modern illness.
The Gift of Self-Care
Altar Ego Candles, Sprays, and Meditation Stones
These beautifully crafted and sustainably produced products can help their recipients stay centered in a wondrous space of self-love.
Wildcrafter Ritual Pack
Elevate the everyday ritual of coffee into something more meaningful by bringing the power of nature into every cup. Give the gift of powerful botanical benefits with two boxes each of my Energy, Focus and Chill blends.
Naturopathica Skincare
Naturopathica’s carefully formulated products make it easy to develop healthy skincare habits. They contain proven botanicals and active ingredients that deliver true and lasting results. One of my favorite natural skin care lines.
The Gift of Green
Aerogarden Indoor Gardens
Nothing chases away the winter blues like a bright burst of green. Aerogarden gardens are easy to use, high-yielding, and mess-free. They come in a variety of sizes to suit the needs of all the gardeners on your list.
Hamama MicroGreens Kits
I absolutely love growing microgreens all year round. We’ve been enjoying the organic kale, broccoli and spicy daikon supergreens, putting them in all kinds of dishes. This website has lots of great ideas for recipes. The bamboo tray is gorgeous and you only need to water the “seed quilts” once a week.
Mason Jar Self-Watering Basil Planter
For that friend whose thumb isn’t quite as green as they’d like, this self-watering planter makes growing herbs impossible to screw up.
ApotheBox Apothecary Subscription Box
When you give ApotheBox, your favorite herbal enthusiast will receive pre-made kits featuring all the ingredients they’ll need to create their own home apothecary, along with recipes and instructions. A truly great DIY gift.
The Gift of Gratitude
I hope you’ll find some items on this list useful for giving with intention this holiday season. But also remember, that giving “gifts” is not the only way to express our appreciation or love for someone. If you’re not into gifts, or if someone you care about isn’t into gifts, or if you’re struggling financially/working with a tight budget, here are some other ideas to consider:
- Give the healing power of touch. A gift card for a massage is wonderful or give a small bottle of massage oil and offer to give a 15 minute foot rub to someone you love.
- Make a homemade gift. What could be more meaningful than something you create with your own hands? For ideas, see my Handmade for the Holidays blog.
- Donate to the Arbor Day Foundation and have a tree planted in a loved one’s name.
- Send an eco-friendly holiday e-card. Just letting someone know you’re thinking of them is sure to brighten their holiday, and you don’t have to worry about the card getting lost in the mail or not making it in time.
And please don’t forget to save some of that loving gratitude for yourself! You’re a marvel, and this world wouldn’t be the same without you.
Many blessings this holiday season,
Tieraona Low Dog, MD
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