How can an obstacle be a gift? Actually, it's part of a life view. Obstacles, unexpected events, and extra work are gifts as surely as the new plasma wrapped under the tree. It's a matter of perspective, and requires thinking out of the box (no pun intended).
Holiday gifts:
Just as you can look at a pile of purchases that need wrapping and shipping as a stressful pain in the tush, you might reframe this picture as abundance that you have been able to give and share.
Bills: another kind of gift.
It took a little extra effort (to break lifelong habits) for me to look at my bills and say things like "thank you, [insert name here, or "Universe", "God", or even your employer] for giving me the privilege to have a phone/cable TV/electricity/etc.," or letting me charge and bring this item home so I could give it to someone I love for Christmas."
I used to just groan and feel resentful that all my money was being spent, rather than seeing it as a way of trading for services I enjoy. You can do this, too. Just practice letting the old feelings that come up roll through your head like dried-up tumbleweeds, and pave a new way of thinking. In time, the old negative reminders will fade and disappear.
