It’s easy to make someone else’s day merry and bright simply by being present during this busy time of year. Little things such as holding a door open for someone or signaling “thank you” when you merge in traffic are just a few of ways to remain in the spirit long after you take down the last ornament from the tree.
 
Whether we are home for the holidays or are away from loved ones, there are still many ways big – and small -- to spread holiday cheer. Here are five intentions to set for ourselves and others during this most wonderful time of year.

• Right now it may seem as if things are coming up unexpectedly and nothing seems to be going right. From now until January 8, Mercury is in retrograde and there’s no better way to add balance to your life than with our Aloha Elixir Mercury Candle. These candles tap the power of Mercury (the communication planet) to keep communication lines open and clear.
• After all that Christmas shopping, many of us have full hearts but empty wallets. The Aloha Elixir Feng Shui Money Pot Kit is the perfect package to share the wealth. The beautifully handcrafted money pot compliments our Money Candles and serve as a prayer piece towards monetary goals. 
• With the year ending and a new year beginning now is the time to clear the air with anyone or anything negative in your life. While this can be a daunting and difficult task, having faith in compromise and making peace with your past is a huge step in personal growth. Our Crystal Clear Smudging Sticks and Releasing Spray can be lit in a space or used while meditating just before you make that all important move towards releasing negativity.
• The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Even in our homes, which should be our sanctuary, sometimes things can get out of sync. Get things back in order with the Aloha Elixir Harmonious Home Candle and make sure your home is ready for the New Year.

• We all have a friend looking for love or know a couple hoping to grow their family with a new addition. Pair a bottle of wine with one our romance elixirs –  like our Romantic Rose or Fertility Candle – to create the perfect package.

It seems silly but it typically takes something ending – in this case the calendar year – for us to reflect on the many blessings in our lives.
 
Being thankful for all that we have in life is a common theme of the holidays, but expressing gratitude should be a year-round practice. We are often consumed by planning and preparing for what lies ahead, or focusing on all that we don’t have or what goes wrong, that we forget to appreciate the simple things in life. Like the clean sheets you sleep in, a simple meal on the table and friends and family to enjoy it with.
 
The practice of being grateful has been connected with living a long life and also contributes to the well-being of those around you. As we head into 2017, focus on appreciating all that you have and try to weave this practice into your daily routine.
 
Here are some of our favorite ways to express gratitude. You’ll be thankful you did!

• Start your day by giving your partner/child/roommate a hug!
• Send a text to a friend about how much you appreciate them.
• Gather belongings that you don’t use – such as clothes, food, household items – and bring them to a local shelter.
• Compliment a co-worker on a job well done.
• Spend a quiet moment during your car ride – especially during rush hour traffic! –  and think of one thing you have to be grateful for.
• Send a bit of aloha via snail mail to a friend or loved one who lives away from home.

• Start your next family dinner by sharing what you’re thankful for that day and then go around the table.

 
What’s YOUR favorite way to express gratitude?