gift giving...
I don’t know about you but I love giving gifts, especially if I have the perfect gift in mind. There is nothing better than watching a loved one’s eyes light up when they open something really special, even if I haven’t given it, I still enjoy it. Christmas is all about the giving, not the getting. However, it seems as I’ve gotten older and spend less time with family and have cut out most of my friend giving (its just too expensive with kids) finding the perfect gift is a Herculean task. I almost dread it. We are now in November and I haven’t a clue what to get anyone.
I ask for lists and then feel like a machine ordering from Amazon. (It doesn’t help that I travel back to Seattle for the holidays.) I don’t remember from one year to the next what I’ve gotten and to be honest, they don’t either. Stuff becomes stuff. You know those sorts of gifts, a candle, DVD, iTunes card, blanket, tree ornament, yes they are appreciated but the receiver is rarely gushing with enthusiasm.
A couple years ago I decided I was going to cut down on the exchange of “stuff” (that usually ends up junk) and give more meaningful gifts so I bought the gift of bees, a flock of ducks and geese through Heifer International. I restored someone’s sight and contributed towards enrichment programs for Native Americans through the Seva Foundation. There were lots of amazing gifts of service to choose from and I felt like I was really making a difference in the name of people I love. Both organizations sent beautiful cards. I had told my family I was doing this before I did it.
But when Christmas morning arrived and my family opened their beautiful cards and were told what had been given in honor of them, it didn’t feel magical; even though I can’t imagine a more magical gift than eyesight.Last year I went back to giving gifts and I honestly couldn’t tell you what I got anyone, except for an iTunes card and some legos.
This year I was once again wondering what to get people when I received my Seva Foundation catalogue. I opened it up and read “Restore Sight to a Blind Person, $50” It made me laugh. Do I really need to look further? I can restore sight to a blind person for $50 and that is priceless to me.
As for making it special on Christmas morning, I’ll find a way.
Comments
Thanks for being you.
Tuesday's Tales #1 - John
;-)
S
My little four year old grandson is severely brain injured. Our family gives ALL our extra money to his care. What happened to him has truly changed my view on life, going through what we have with him. People get so caught up in STUFF. Like you said, how excited can you get about YET ANOTHER CD or DVD? I think many people have changed their views about what is important of late, some by force, others by looking around at the world today and drawing the proper conclusions.
this is something I've thought long and hard about for years now.
each xmas I too attempt to give gifts of love.
strange but true... it isn't easy.
love to you beautiful black swan... be what you want your world to be
xx ribbon :)
http://smilemakerkrishna.blogspot.com/2008/09/for-gift-to-be-valued_28.html
I usually give books to everyone at the holidays. I love finding the perfect book and wrapping it up with that person especially in mind. :)
hugs hugs
xoxo
:-)
(((hugs))),
love,
me
My sister's friend mocked me, but at a certain point in life, you have enough.
I was blown away by the life lesson these parents taught their young daughter (seven or eight at the time, I believe) and even more so by their innate generosity ... just as I am by yours : )