Wellness Gifts That Keep on Giving

By Stacie Rose

As the season of giving gets underway, many of us will likely ask ourselves the same burning questions we ponder year after year. What do we want? What do we need? And, what in the world can we give to our friends and loved ones? These are straightforward questions, albeit with complex undertones. They can conjure a multitude of thoughts and emotions like excitement, joy, anxiety, fear and even existential contemplating. Why must this time of year create so much overwhelm for so many? And, how can we avoid the pitfalls of pre-holiday pandemonium and approach gift-giving more gracefully? It’s a lot to manage and muster because most of us care. We care about what people think of our gift-giving skills and other superficial things like how much we spend. We want to be thoughtful and sentimental yet sometimes lack time to shop or the funds we think we need. We get disenchanted, settle for something less than ideal, or give up and feel bad. On the other hand, we often harbor expectations of what we think we deserve, measuring our worth or how appreciated

we are by the gifts we receive. Sometimes we are too selfless, to be honest about our wishes. Other times we throw creativity or thoughtfulness out the window because we simply cannot deal with crowds or handle being swept up in all the sardonic aspects of commercialism. But what if we approached this holiday season a little differently? What if we gave the notion of gift-giving a bit of a spiritual makeover? Perhaps it would be easier to embrace the beauty of this time of year with Adam and Howard Shiffman, Jodi Silverman a game plan that is joy-inducing or even beneficial for both the gift-giver and the giftee. If we thought about gifts that go on and about the sentiment over the stuff, maybe we could turn this folly into jolly! Something vital to everyone, regardless of interests or materialistic ideations, is wellness and nourishment for the mind, body and spirit. We could all use something to feed our souls, and help us feel balanced, boosted and bathed in love, especially during the holidays. Let’s be mindful of the fact that a season

of festivities and fanfare has many frenzied over family drama, funds, social obligations, avoiding burnout and staying healthy. Something often overlooked is that finances need not be a factor. Some gifts are so uplifting and sweet that you simply cannot put a price tag on them. Gifting a painting, piece of pottery, poem, or framed photo is a perfect way to “Shower the people you love with love,” as the great American songwriter James Taylor put it so eloquently. Gifts that help us relax recharge and feel pampered are always appreciated. A gift card for a massage, mani/ pedi, or service at a favorite salon can be a sweet treat for the right person on your list, especially a busy mom, overworked friend or anyone in need of self-care. You might consider making a charitable donation on behalf of a friend or family member with a particular interest in a specific cause or organization. This shows that you care about things they care about. Gifts that create experiences are a beautiful way to stay connected with others. Movie, museum, theatre or

Providing comfort and being available to its customers concert tickets are spiritually uplifting. They can help and its community has been a Cornell Surgical hall- someone who may be struggling with isolation. Tickmark since the company’s inception. John J. Shiffman ets to an activity that can be enjoyed together can help began the business out of Union City in 1945 and someone feel appreciated, loved and more connected. moved to West New York in 1948. Howard Shiffman, who became the company president and CEO in the Gifts that have a medicinal or immune-boosting early 1960s following the death of his father, moved spin can be quite welcome during a season of bathis operation to Bergenfield in 1995 following a 1993 tling colds, COVID-19, Influenza and other nasty fire that had destroyed much of his West New York viral interlopers. Think along the lines of high-quality showroom. herbal teas, essential oils with a lovely diffuser, and books about sustainable wellness, self-care, abunWhile Howard Shiffman worked with his father, he dance, healthy cooking, fitness, and manifesting joy. wasn’t necessarily anticipating taking over the family A handwritten note inside the book’s cover is also a business when he headed off to Long Island University nice touch. You can spring for healthy meal service in Brooklyn. He was studying to be a pharmacist – he for someone who may be battling an illness and needs received his license but never practiced – and played nourishment. Gorgeous journals filled with daily baseball for a bit. Once he began running the business, affirmations and books on finding gratitude make for though, working in a pharmacy and playing ball – he loving gifts. Once again, you need not spend a lot to said he could never hit a curveball anyway – were no say a lot about what someone means to you. longer an option. Other crowd-pleasers that fall into the wellness realm It wasn’t easy maintaining the business as a teenager, are gift cards to healthy restaurants, magazine subbut Howard Shiffman survived and ultimately thrived scriptions, wellness apps, meditation programs or a though it took some time. He is retired now but still Master class. A soft, warm, wintery throw blanket, non-toxic, aromatic candle, fitness equipment,

their day-to-day lives. For historians, it’s a treasure trove.” pops into the office several days a week to lend a hand, offer advice and interact with customers. That treasure trove includes stories of the Marquis “My father died when I was 19,” he said. “My mother de Lafayette and James Madison spending time there Altogether it took Heidi, who works as a retail merchandise buyer for Burlingafter the Battle of Monmouth, which was one of the ton Stores, about a year to complete the book. was there as the eyes and ears of the company and it was a good, quality company. I commuted to school, first successful campaigns enjoyed by the colonial Spencer, who is now in remission, is a graduate of the University of Maryland but I was around every day. Municipalities, nursing army. Washington and his men “partied” according and works as an associate buyer for a clothing store, was fully supportive of her to Sullivan, before moving on.mother’s effort to share her story, Heidi said. homes, the public in general came to our aide and I just gave back to the people who helped and passed “I hope other families find comfort in this book,” said Heidi. “It’s what’s inside Sun Valley Farm, meanwhile, is on Rochambeau’s that really matters.” it forward.” Route, which is essentially Route 202. Count de Since its release, Heidi has donated copies to several non-profits that work to That approach of passing it forward is one that CorRochambeau led a pair of brigades from Suffern, help children facing hair loss while battling cancer, including Coming Up Rosies, N.Y. to Pompton in New Jersey as part of the jour-Sunrise Day Camp and Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center. nell Surgical continues to employ and not just a large scale. The individual means as much as the municney that would ultimately allow them to join WashIt has also received the endorsement of several medical professionals for its ington’s troops at the Battle of Yorktown. The farm uplifting message. ipality, the hospital or institution. Consider Diane Occidentale, a Bergenfield resident with Multiple remains the largest privately preserved farm in Ber“Cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and radiation, has a profound effect Sclerosis. The 58-year-old has relied on Cornell to aid gen County. on each patient’s body image and no side effect has a more noticeable effect on in her care, thanks in large part to Jodi Silverman, how a patient looks than hair loss,” said Dr. David Loeb, Chief of the Pediatrics who is Adam Shiffman’s sister.The Hermitage and Sun Valley are part of a rich Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Montefiore Medical Center in the “When I first went there, I was very hesitant,” Occidentale said. “I didn’t know what to get but I wanted it to be pretty. Why do these things [walker, rollators history about which few people in Bergen County know. So, the next time you’re on Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus… Bronx. He also said, “This inspiring book addresses this issue head-on and it provides the powerful and supportive message that you can be awesome and beautiful and etc.] have to look like they should be in a hospital “Our job is to spread the word for The Hermitage,” full of love, even without hair.” Copies of “I Have No Hair and I Don’t Care” are available for $15.95 each at ALifeInZier said. “So, stop in and see what it is.” Print.com. ■

Pictured below: Courtesy of A Life In Print Continued on page 32 Continued on Page 40

athleisure or an updated version of a mixed tape in the form of a personal playlist on iTunes or Spotify could be just the thing. Or, why not gift wrap some vinyl for your favorite music lover? Music feeds the body and soul. Its positive effects are research-based.

If you really wanna brighten someone’s holiday and give a gift that just keeps on giving, it’s as simple as one, two, three…plant! Put a plant in a pot, add some nutrient-rich soil, and tie a bow around it! If you’ve never had a green thumb in your life, pop over to Lowes, Trader Joe’s, your local market or florist for a perfectly potted, living thing that will clean the air, remove toxins, and constantly oxygenate any living space. Easy, economical, beautiful, thoughtful, medicinal and mood-enhancing. And, the recipient will think of you whenever they enjoy the gorgeous, leafy greenery.

Safe, clean, sample-size, non-toxic perfumes like varieties from Henry Rose make great stocking stuffers. Stylish reusable water bottles, free of BPA and other harmful chemicals, promote hydration. A sound machine, silk pillowcase or soft scarf can encourage sleep, warmth and relaxation. Gift cards to local juice bars, salad shops or dark, luxurious fair trade chocolate bars with less than five ingredients loaded with antioxidants are all excellent options.

But the biggest takeaway here is that the greatest gift in wellness is the gift of love, time and presence. The most wonderful time of the year can be dizzying and downright difficult for many people. You may not know what people are going through physically or emotionally or what they need. But as Barbra Streisand sang so melodiously in “Funny Girl” – and brought these very words to life, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”

Remember that a handwritten note of appreciation can mean a lot to a teacher, crossing guard, or the people in your neighborhood who make a difference. Writing a positive review for a doctor, restaurant, house cleaner, dog groomer or any local business that goes the extra mile could help them generate more business – a gift that keeps giving.

This is the time to be with your people. Be with your pets. Be with the ones who make you feel good inside. Love them up, and nourish them with your time, a warm meal, a game of chess, a glass of wine, a movie, or a night of binge-watching something fun. Volunteer to help a friend or give your time to a local organization that needs a hand. The greatest gifts in wellness make you feel good inside and out. These gifts keep you going and make a difference by enriching someone else’s life. Less is often more. It’s always the thought that counts and effort that matters. The greatest gifts… that truly keep on giving are the ones that come with pure intention straight from the heart.

Stacie Rose is a mother, writer, producer, songwriter, wellness speaker and health advocate. She’s a certified integrative nutrition health coach, holistic lifestyle enthusiast and free spirit.

She’s passionate about making music, writin, and helping others create sustainable wellness. Having navigated some tough terrain, she took a deep dive into wellness to help others reclaim their health. Stacie has dealt with severe food allergies, intolerances, IBS and acid reflux. She found that all these conditions can be vastly improved by making diet and lifestyle modifications. She works daily to create balance and cultivate a beautiful, active, nourished life for herself and her family.

A firm believer in the power of mindfully, intentional living, her philosophy is that transformation is about possibility, positivity and persistence and that small adjustments can make a big difference.

The Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation held their annual Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation and Palisades Medical Center Foundation golf outing at Ridgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.

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