With the old year gone and a new year embarking on all of us.  Most of us take this time of year to realize our goals and reflect upon the last year.

Personal Goals

When we walked into last year, many of us had set goals some of these goals that we wanted to improve within our own lives:

• Financial
• Spiritual
• Business
• Family

Reflection

Have you reflected on your goals from last year yet?  Did you meet all of your goals?  Did you have gift giving as one of your goals? 

One Of My Best Goals

Gift giving can be a very stressful situation.  Gifts come from the heart therefore I personally want them to reflect that.  Unknowingly, they become a tradition with the receipiant.  Which for me is great because it allows the budget to stay in tact.

Personal and Business Goal

At the end of the 3rd Quarter of the year I had finally put in place a new product.  I have been behind the scenes working not only very hard on the “complete” package, but also on the meaning of what I personally wanted this product to reflect.

Additionally, I had a burning desire to put in place something I had read in a course of Michelle Shaeffer’s that I took a couple of years ago.  Michelle is large on putting goals into action and great at provoking thought.  I personally, could never say enough positive things about her and her contagious personality.

That being said, the product had to reflect the following:

Qualities

• Reflect value
• Meaning
• Tradition
• Family Values

Personally, I am big on family tradition and I love family gatherings.  Many of us are not able to be around family therefore our friends and neighbors become our new found family.  Which is great.

Budget Your Gift Giving

By budgeting your gift giving in advance, you can carefully reflect upon the meaning you are wanting to show.  Maybe you live away from your family, or possibly you are someone who is invited over to someone’s house for dinner frequently. 

 The holidays are the best time to show thanks for the host/hostess that is always there.  Nothing comes from the heart more than a special gift.  

A Great Gift

Here is a simple gift idea to show your appreciation.  You do not have to limit yourself to strictly the holidays.  Next time you are invited to dinner at someone’s house, think about taking them a taper candle made from bayberry to add just a little special memory to the dinner.

Bayberry Taper Candles-

Bayberry taper candles have been a long standing New England tradition.  Taper candles made from pure, crude bayberry are truly very beautiful.  They have a natural olive green color, a very soft, sweet fir smell.  Although bayberry candles are very expensive, the true value is not only in the thought but in the burn as well.  As they will burn for approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours per inch.  Which when compared to the department store, they give you more value for your dollar.

There is nothing worse than purchasing a department store taper candle and have it gone before your dinner is through.

Why You Should Make This A Goal?

Small candle makers that make bayberry candles, usually have them during the holiday.  The wax is very expensive and brittle therefore the best time of year for them to purchase the crude wax is during the summer. 

Ask your candle maker if they can take pre-orders.  By doing so, you will have already placed your order in time for the holiday season you plan on giving them.  This insures that your candles arrive on time and that is one more gift you do not have to worry about.

Why Are They So Expensive?

Bayberry wax comes from little tiny berries from the bayberry bush.  It actually takes 15 pounds of berries to make 1 pound of wax.  Many candle makers use beeswax to help with the sturdiness of the candle.

Budget A New Tradition

With the new year, why not think about the traditions you want to reflect within your personal life.  Give a gift that reflects a very long standing, historical tradition that is natural and beautiful.  

Start a new tradition of giving Bayberry Taper candles for holiday gifts or as a special hostess gift.