Season of giving

Happy Festivus for those celebrating!

Festivus celebrated on December 23. "A Festivus for the rest of us!" (Not an actual recognized holiday...yet!)

Christmas festivities are already starting around the house. The scents of baked treats and the sound of wrapping paper tearing along with a curse word or two. It is starting to feel like the holidays! I love cooking and baking for loved ones, but I love more when I am able to see the moment of joy I have contributed to them when they take a bite of something I made. I think most of us get great joy and even a huge rush from giving something to someone that we know they really want or need.

What happens when we give? When we give something to someone without any expectation of receiving something in return, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin along with other happy chemicals that make us feel pretty good. People that spend time doing charity work often have lower levels of depression and high self-esteem. Also, have you noticed that when you spend money on someone else, you feel much better than when you spend it on yourself? But, isn't that the catch? Is the reason some people do good for others is because that is a way of making themselves feel better? I remember watching Friends and there was an episode that cast members were talking about there is no such thing as a selfless good act. In my opinion, who cares as long as you're contributing to the quality of another persons day. It is a win-win! You don't need to spend lots of money or any money. You just have to show that you care and you took some time out of your day to better another person(s) day.  

I hope everyone is looking forward to the holidays. Regardless which celebration everyone takes part, I hope everyone has a wonderful and a very giving time!