The Season for Giving and Receiving – Without Cost, With Deep Meaning, A Christmas message from Physis Scotland

As the Christmas season draws near, many of us might be feeling the familiar mix of excitement, warmth, and—let’s be honest—financial pressure. It is, after all, a time traditionally associated with gift-giving, gatherings, and celebrations that can stretch both our time and our bank accounts.

But at Physis Scotland, we’re inviting you to pause for a moment and remember something essential:

Some of the most powerful gifts cost absolutely nothing.

There are gifts that cost nothing but can mean everything.

In Transactional Analysis, we talk about strokes—units of recognition that acknowledge another person’s presence, worth, and humanity. Positive strokes are gifts we can give freely, generously, and without limit.

They include:

• A warm smile

• A genuine “I appreciate you”

• A message to say “I’m thinking of you”

• A moment of undivided attention letting someone know how much they mean to you.

• An act of compassion

• Encouragement

• Gratitude

• A shared laugh

• A simple, heartfelt “thank you”

These are gifts that:

• Don’t require wrapping

• Don’t rely on money

• Don’t disappear or break

• Land deeply and linger long

But its not just about giving, how about receiving positive strokes?

Christmas often encourages us to give—but receiving positive strokes is just as important. Many of us find it easier to offer kindness than to let it in. This season, we invite you to practice both.

Ask yourself:

• Who will I give my stroke to?

  A colleague, a neighbour, a friend, a family member—or perhaps someone who rarely receives positive recognition.

• When will I give it?

  Today? This week? Right now?

• What will I say or do?

  It doesn’t have to be grand. Even a small moment of acknowledgment can make a significant impact.

And most importantly, don’t hold back. Don’t withhold a stroke when you have it to give. What we will find is that you do this our positive strokes grow stronger the more freely we share them.

As we move through this season of giving and receiving, may we remember that human connection is at the heart of what makes Christmas meaningful. The kindness we offer, and allow ourselves to receive, is the true currency of the season.

From all of us at Physis Scotland, we send you warmth, appreciation, and positive strokes in abundance.

Season’s Greetings from the Physis Scotland team

Fifi, Fi, Kate, and Jon