No matter what your religious beliefs, this time of year is the season of giving. Giving of ourselves and giving of gifts. I was just talking to a friend of mine about whether it truly is, “The the thought that counts.” Â She used a service to send her son cookies and milk while he’s studying for finals at college. Â Our mommy-guilt kicks in, and a voice says, “But you should have baked those yourself, packed them in an heirloom tin, wrapped the box, gone to the post office and sent them yourself.” Â But the me-voice says, “I work, I have a crazy-busy life, isn’t it the thought that counts.”
 
I was reminded again when on the Today show, the hosts were discussing whether it was okay to pay someone else to decorate your Christmas tree for you, shop and wrap presents, etc. Â Well, that, I don’t have to worry about – I don’t have enough money for that! Â But there are some other things I do take shortcuts with. Â Especially cooking, there are so many delicious prepared dishes now that it hardly seems worth the time to start from scratch.
But as a gift recipient, I know that it really is the thought that counts. Â Especially with surprise gifts (not for any special holiday), it’s truly not the gift that matters, it’s that someone took the time to think of me and appreciate me. Â I remember at my daughter’s baby shower, I was most touched by the people that came – that they would take time out of their busy schedules. Â The gifts were amazing but it was their thoughtfulness that touched me most.
Do you have someone that you would like to tell that you thought of them during this busy season? Â Perhaps a former teacher, an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile, a neighbor? Â Along with time being tight this holiday season, money is also tight. Â Budgets are stretched every which way. Â Kleenex is giving us an opportunity to say, “I Care” and it doesn’t cost a thing! Â Just a few minutes of your time and a caring thought. Â Because, it truly is, the thought that counts!
If you are trying to be a good example and to teach your children the joy of giving this holiday season, let them chose the gift recipient. Â Perhaps one of their friends has been absent from school because of a cold or the flu. Â Let them order the free Kleenex Care Pack and experience the fun of giving!
Look in the store for the specially marked bundle packs of Kleenex and “Share the Softness!
Who would you surprise with a Kleenex Care Pack?  It’s easy to do….  Visit your local store, purchase a specially marked Kleenex brand bundle pack, go online to https://www.kleenex.com/softness/ and redeem the code on the box for a free Care Pack.  Easy-peasey, as Rosie would say!
To learn more, visit http://www.facebook.com/Kleenex
Disclosure of Material Connection:  All opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.  I wrote this review while participating in an ambassador program by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Kleenex brand and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.