Grinch Giving

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Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more?

~ Dr. Suess

My sweet niece came up with an excellent idea for this Christmas Season. She ordered various Grinch sweatshirts for the whole family with funny sayings, each somehow appropriate for the wearer! We all strode into a local long-time favorite restaurant, with our neon green on grand display. And, of course, the only table available was the one right in the center for all the other patrons to see. We didn’t care... we knew what was coming.

We proceeded to order our drinks and meals. We engaged in our usual silly conversations and banter, enjoying our family time. All the while ignoring the looks we were getting! Our waitress was fantastic too—great attention to us, prompt and accurate service with a beautiful smile. The only hiccup was that another waitress was not attending to the table beside us. They confronted our waitress in a particularly grinchy way and then left. So the poor thing was upset even though it was not her fault. We felt terrible for her yet even more excited about what was coming.

Everyone’s meal was delicious, and we were filled to the brim. The waitress left our bill, and we gave her our credit cards. When she brought them back to the table, we all put a big fat zero down for the tip and signed the slips – very grinch-like! However... as she picked up the little folders, each of us handed her a crisp new $20 bill as we sang ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’!

She was brought to tears, we were brought to tears, and the other restaurant peeps clapped and hooted and hollered! To top it off, we think her parents had come into the restaurant and taken the table of the grinches who had left in a huff earlier. I’m sure they were brought to tears too! They cornered my nephew as we were leaving and said we could not imagine how much that meant to our waitress.

That was indeed one of the most heartwarming experiences in my life. It is now added to our list of family traditions – and hopefully will be carried to the next generations to come. To be able to give unconditionally to a complete stranger should be on all of our lists, and all of the time – not just at Christmas!

As Deepak Chopra puts forth in his 2nd Law of Spiritual Success – The Law of Giving and Receiving: The universe operates through dynamic exchange ... giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives. Here are some highlights from his writings about giving that I like to remind myself of often:

• Give that which we seek ... Give Joyfully ... Give Every day ... Receive Openly.

• The more we give, the more we receive.

• Give with genuine intention to create happiness for the giver and receiver.

• The act of giving has to be joyful. If you want joy, give joy to others; if you wish to love, learn to give love; if you want attention and appreciation, learn to give it; if you want material affluence, help others to achieve it.

This time of year, it is easier to remember to give. We get wrapped up in all the excitement of finding the perfect gifts. The surprise, wonderment, and joy as gifts are opened and admired are loving proof of our giving season. So why not carry it forward throughout the year? And include strangers?

As one of my early blogs on Good Deeds points out, I try to notice more opportunities in everyday life to give. It warms my soul when I give freely. I feel more complete and more aligned with my true self. However, I sometimes get so caught up in the daily happenings that I don’t notice the opportunities as much as I would like, but our grinch giving dinner has put that noticing front and center again. I will try to carry this spirit with me throughout the holiday season and beyond.

How can you give more this season? What extraordinary family tradition can you start to give to others?

Caylee the Zen Puppy and I wish all of you a most wonderous and joyful Christmas season! Let’s do more Grinch Giving!!!

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