…To Give In The TRUE Spirit

The holidays are upon us.  Actually some retail stores brought the holidays upon us back in October, but now that Thanksgiving has passed we’re all synchronizing our mindsets to look forward to the upcoming holidays.  With the holidays come shopping, office parties, social gatherings, baking cookies, an increase in volunteering with charity’s, writing letters to St. Nick and dreaming of what might be under the tree this season!

Unfortunately too much emphasis is put on the notion of “buying stuff” for people for any holiday you’re celebrating.  In my case it’s Christmas.  As I mentioned earlier, retailers were advertising and planting seeds in our minds back in October (maybe earlier) to get ready and spend, spend, spend this season.  Obviously the holidays are a time for sharing and giving, but take a moment to think about if you’re sharing and giving from your heart or from your head.  Meaning, is why you’re giving to someone because you really appreciate that person in your life and you want to give something to thank them for being a part of your life, to re-confirm to them that they’re special to you or because you just want to?  I think it’s really important that we all give from our hearts and not because it’s “expected” or “the right thing to do.”  Somehow giving just doesn’t have the same meaning when you’re doing it out of obligation or guilt.

To Give In The TRUE Spirit is to give because you want to share happiness & joy with others.  During this time of year, consider giving your time to a charitable organization.  The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, like many other foodbanks in your area, are looking not only for food and cash donations but also for volunteers to help sort the donated food and distribute to those in need.  Also look into your local Meals on Wheels programs, which deliver meals to the elderly and disabled, to inquire what they need help with.  On that note, there are probably many types of organizations which serve those less fortunate and are worth checking out anytime of the year. 

Together, by giving a little of ourselves, we can all gain a lot.

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

…To Drink Wine

From Vine to Wine –> Are you a wine lover (or liker)?  Reds or whites? What wine varietal do you prefer?  Is there a particular region of the U.S. or the world you prefer your wines from?  Where? Are you a wine club member?  Which one?  Do you own a wine rack, fridge or cellar?  If you answered yes with responses to any these questions, then you’ve probably attended a wine dinner, tasting, or vineyard in your lifetime.  Yes, I’ve been to all of the fore mentioned.  I enjoy having a glass of wine with almost anything because I believe there is a perfect wine for every occasion.  And it’s usually the wine you’re in the mood for at that moment.

Although, it would seem with today’s economy in recession, we would be cutting back on our wine (or alcohol) purchases, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.  Total wine sales in the United States rose 3.5 percent for the 52-week period ending Oct. 17, 2009 according to data from The Nielsen Company. The increase was more modest for the four-week period ending Oct. 17, with an overall gain of 2.3 percent.  In addition, at the onset of our recession last year wine sales in the $12 to $15 range rose faster than low-end sales (below $6).

Speaking of purchasing wine, a good tip for any wine drinker is to consider buying a case of wine at one time.  Next time you’re visiting your favorite vineyard or wine shop, pick up at least 12 bottles of your faves (multiple bottles of the same varietal included), because most wine sellers will discount your purchase 10-20% for buying in bulk.  Pick up a few bottles which need to age several more months and then in the next year uncork your vino and toast the day! 

Another idea is to become a member of a wine club.  Many vineyards offer a wine club in which you’ll receive anywhere from 1-2 bottles of wine per month delivered to your doorstep for a set fee each month charged to your credit card.  Some clubs also offer discounts on your future purchases at their vineyard.  A great wine club I recently learned of and now market to others, delivers 2 different wines from around the globe each month, along with tasting lessons, wine-food pairings for the wine choices that month, email offers and 10-15% discounts on your online purchases (for those wines you fall in love with and want more of!).  It’s a great holiday gift-giving idea as well.  Think of it as a gift that continues to give well after the holidays have ended!  After all any day is a good day To Drink Wine.