It’s December 21, 2012 and the world hasn’t ended, which is a good thing because who among us couldn’t use a little more time to finish our Christmas shopping?

We’ve all heard so much talk about the Mayan calendar and the world ending. But the Mayans weren’t predicting the end of world.

To them, December 21, 2012 was the end of one stage of life for mankind, and then December 22, 2012 ushered a new era – the new beginning of another stage – a fresh start (at least that’s what the tour guide told our group when we were visiting the Mayan ruins a couple of years ago while on vacation.)

Regardless of what people are saying about the world’s demise, one thing is for certain: We’re still here and we’re still married!

With that in mind, and since this is the holiday season, I’d like to suggest  what I think are eight of the best gifts that I think you can give your spouse this Christmas.

These aren’t your typical gifts – things you wrap. Nope. These are much better.

These eight gifts can save your marriage from divorce, fill your relationship with peace and joy, and have you celebrating love for the rest of your life.  Here they are:

1. Give Your Spouse The Gift Of A New Attitude (You Not Them)

What kind of attitude do you have?

Are you pessimistic or optimistic?

Do you look for the worst or the best in your spouse?

Do you find fault or give encouragement?

I’d say that one of the very best gifts you can give to your spouse this Christmas is a new attitude. This alone has the power to usher in a new era – a new stage – in your marriage.

So instead of being negative, critical, and selfish, be optimistic, encouraging and supportive, and generous!

Don’t know where to start? Then do this: start smiling at your spouse more often, and tell them what you appreciate about them. Do this and I think you’ll have a pretty amazing Christmas!

2. Choose To Restore Your Relationship

Is there something wrong with your relationship? If so then you have three options: You can ignore it, fume and fuss over it, or restore it. The choice is yours.

Give your spouse the gift of a restored relationship this year. Stop making excuses. Just do it.

3. Stop Blaming Your Spouse For Your Problems

Look, marriage takes two people. Your spouses causes some of the problems and YOU cause some of the problems. So stop blaming your husband or wife for your marriage’s problems because you’re both are responsible for the challenges facing you.

Give your spouse the gift of no longer blaming them for everything that is wrong with your relationship.

Grow up.  Take responsibility. And break-free from the blame game.

4. Share Your Vision With Your Spouse!

Give your spouse the gift of letting them know what you want from them, life and your marriage.

Spend some time alone in the coming days to figure this out. Then share it with them.

Share any problems or challenges you see, and any dreams, goals or desires you have.

5. Give The Gift Of Time

One of the very best gifts we can give to our wife or husband is the gift of time. Time is something that when it’s gone it’s gone forever.

So give your spouse the gift of time – give them your FULL attention; distraction-free time.

6. Practice The Golden Rule

How would you like to be treated? Start treating your spouse this way.

Be loving, appreciative, kind, caring, warm, playful, fun, energetic. You get the idea.

Scripture says that we reap what we sow. So start treating your spouse how you want to be treated.  Give your spouse the gift of a “new” kind of love this Christmas.

7. Be Considerate, Polite, Respectful and Nice

Why is it that the longer people are married the less courteous they sometimes feel they need to be to each other?

Why are we nicer to strangers sometimes than we are to the person who promised to love and be with us for the rest of our life?

Give your spouse the gift of being nice to them this Christmas.

8. A Problem-Free Break

Give your spouse the gift of a mini-vacation in 2013. Make it a problem-free break where you decide not to dredge up the past or talk about old wounds.

The purpose of this mini-vacation is to enjoy each others’ company without any of the hurts, hangups or fights. Just get to know each other again.

There you have it. Eight awesome gifts to give to your spouse this Christmas.

It’s not what’s under the tree that counts, it’s what’s in your heart.

So from my home to yours, may you have a wonderful holiday season that overflows with peace, hope and joy.