The holidays are soon approaching and we will soon be busy unwrapping all the presents under the tree. In a previous post I gave you some ideas for some tangible holiday gifts you could buy for all the people in your life who are feeling stressed or who have an anxiety disorder. But there are some gifts that cannot be wrapped up or tied with a bow. Peace is one of those gifts.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives many definitions for the word “peace” which include:

• A state of tranquility or quiet

• Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

• Harmony in personal relations A related term is at peace which is defined as “in a state of concord or tranquility.”

As I read these definitions I feel a longing to be in such a frame of mind and feel free of discord in my mental state and also in my relations with others. Stress and anxiety seem to be the opposite of experiencing peacefulness. Is peace or peacefulness something we can give to others or ourselves? Despite the fact that peace is intangible, it can still be given in the form of actions, deeds, and how we relate to others.

Here are some ways you can give the gift of peace this holiday season:

• Let go of old arguments and animosity. If you have a long standing disagreement or resentment towards a friend or family member, this can be the year to let it go. I am not telling you to disregard history. I am not telling you to be a doormat or to necessarily begin a new relationship with this person. What I am saying is to let go of the power that your anger and negative feelings have over you. Imagine the time and energy you will have if you let go of all the stress and ill feelings associated with a dysfunctional relationship. Forgive so that you can feel peace of mind. Let go of your need to be right or to have the person see things your way. And then move on by filling up that empty space with positive and supportive relationships.

• Connect with others in a peaceful environment, free from distractions. We are a very “connected” society with all our cell phones, iPods, Blackberrys, computers, and gizmos and gadgets. Yet with all these ways to communicate with others, there are some people who get neglected in the process. The people who are usually the most neglected are the ones right there with us in physical time and space.

How many times have you seen mothers at playground and their child is trying to talk to the parent but mom is on the phone and can’t be disturbed? How about in restaurants where a group of co-workers have gotten together for a special lunch. But each person is turned away from the group and is on their phone texting or checking their messages. What is wrong with this picture? Get off the phone and talk to the person who is right before you. Give your friend or loved one your full attention and eliminate the technological distractions.