The Season of Giving with Pj Schott

Wow!  I can’t believe that this is the last post for 2012 written by the über lovely Pj Schott.  My how time flies, doesn’t it?  I am thankful for her friendship, the opportunities she has given me professionally, and to have her on my side, in a dark alley, when I need backup.  Pj has lived in several U.S. port cities, Europe, Greece, and the Middle East.  A marketing professional, mystery writer, and futurist, Pj is known to those with whom she works as a problem-solver, an innovative thinker, a top-notch communicator, a visionary, and the soul of a group. She is the owner of the Boston, Massachusetts based company GENIUS and is the woman behind the new Facebook page and blog, Survival for Blondes, where Pj is entirely surrounded by imagined disasters and learns to rise above.

The Spirit of Giving

The time I spend with you, is my favorite time of the month. It's an opportunity to think about what's really important. And to ask myself if there is anything in my life I would like to change. And I take any unanswered questions to that great sage, Winne-the-Pooh. Today I asked him for a special gift, and he gave me the following words.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.

                                                   ― Winnie the Pooh

At this time of year, our thoughts turn to giving. All world cultures, and most religions, include the meaningful practice of gift-giving. Our Jewish friends hand out Chanukah gelt, Yiddish for money. In the Muslim world, the end of the holy month focuses on the giving of charity. In Kwanzaa, gifts are less important than spiritual and social rejuvenation.

Most of my friends and family celebrate St. Nicolas Day, Christmas and New Years. Christmas – first celebrated in the Victorian 1860s – is the most well-known holiday in the world. It incorporates the giving of gifts to children of St. Nicolas Day (December 6th), the pagan traditions – evergreens, candles, sweet treats, yule logs and mistletoe – of the Winter Solstice (December 21st), and the birthday of Jesus (December 25th).

It's Christmas! The spirit of giving abounds. Most of us give gifts to loved ones, but do we give anything else, especially when nothing is expected of us?

Why do we give? Some folks give to feel important or to get their name on a plaque. Others give out of obligation, and do so grudgingly. The lucky ones give simply for the joy of giving, and incredible joy is their reward.

Christmas is the perfect time to become a 'giver.' And it can cost little or nothing. A smile can turn someone's day around. A warm hug can help heal someone's pain. A small bag of food for your local soup kitchen can bring comfort to many.

So go get out there and GIVE, GIVE GIVE. The effect on those around you can seem immense, and giving has the power to change your life forever.

You lucky ducks!  Pj has so kindly offered to give Princess with a Pen readers an opportunity to WIN this fabulous Pooh prize!  To be eligible, leave a comment here telling us about the best gift you’ve ever received.

Click HERE to check it out on Amazon

  Here is the description from Amazon:

Ring in the season with this special 10th anniversary edition of WINNIE THE POOH: SEASONS OF GIVING -- the cherished, full-length adventure that celebrates friendship, family and the true meaning of the holidays. Join Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Rabbit on a brave quest to find a favorite season they somehow seem to have missed -- Winter! Next, accompany them on a wild search for the perfect ingredients to create a festive Thanksgiving feast, and share in the warm glow of a Christmas that brings a surprise visit from a very special friend. Featuring beloved characters, five irrestible songs, and two new-to-DVD Pooh adventures, this fun, heartwarming Disney classic will keep the magic of the holiday season alive and sparkling the whole year long!

Bonus Features Include Pooh Adventures - First Time On DVD, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh The Magic Earmuffs, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh The Wishing Bear, Decorate Your Own Christmas Tree, and Coloring Fun With Piglet.

CONTEST RULES:

• Contest closes at noon, on December 12, 2012, EST.
• You must leave contact information with your post to be included.  Posts without contact information will not be counted.
• Good luck!  You're all winners in my book.

I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa.  May you be truly blessed with a peace that surpasses all understanding as you enjoy family, friends, and the beauty of the season.

XOXO

Jen