Let’s Shed Our Assumptions About Gift Giving.
This morning’s paper reported that Americans plan to spend less money on Christmas this year. Well Dah. People are financially strapped; many have lost their jobs; self-employed people (like me) have lost clients and income. It makes sense to cut back on spending during uncertain times. But then the article made me cringe.
First off, the assumption seemed to be that cutting back on spending meant cutting back on giving. They quoted one woman who intended to drop extended family and friends from her Christmas list this year because she had less money to spend. Well Dah, you’re thinking … and I’m saying she’s wrong. And I think those people who say “Let’s not exchange gifts this year” are also wrong.
This year of all years we should extend our giving … and spend less also. Because we need more, we should give more. And I’m not talking about money. Think back on the best gifts that you’ve received in your life. I’m betting you’re not remembering the most expensive gifts, but the most thoughtful. The best gifts aren’t always even physical gifts. Often they are experiences, something that shows the giver knows you and cares about you.
Yes, it’s a challenge to figure out what to do that is meaningful and inexpensive. Maybe you’ll share a homemade cookbook of your grandmother’s secret recipes, or you’ll teach your nephew how to make a cat perch out of scrap wood. The gifts will be as varied as the people who receive them. And you’ll find that your joy in giving is increased as well. What a rush when you finally get the perfect idea!
Where will you find the time for all this creative gift making? Well start by using the time you usually spend shopping and go from there. You might find that a chore you always hated turns into a joy you want to extend.
I’ve got to end with a word about stuff. It seems the world situation is giving us a chance to shed some of the habits and stuff which has been weighing us down for decades. Let’s take this opportunity and be grateful.
Happy Holidays!
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