BEING THERE

Merry Shopping! Ho ho ho!

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Shopping Season! The happiest time of the year!

Believe it or not, I’ve been rather jolly and more generous this year than most. While not exactly a Scrooge, I’m typically pretty tight and admittedly quite selfish and would gladly prefer to receive than give. This year has been different. I’ve participated in a couple of gift exchanges at work. I’ve been more generous with tips when dining out. Hey, I’ve even dropped money into the occasional gift basket here and there. Why the difference?

My wife and I have decided to stop buying into the hype and frenzy of the Capitalmas Season. We aren’t buying gifts for each other, and are only giving modest presents to family and friends. In other words, we’re giving purposely. Rather than buy something just because it’s a “hot” item or the Thneed that everybody is buying, we’re putting time and thought into every and any gifts we buy. That means some of our gifts will be sent out late (or possibly not at all). Buying meaningfully takes time and effort, and we refuse to settle on something just because it’s there.

I especially enjoyed our Secret Santa gift exchange at work. We filled out questionnaires about our likes and dislikes. I read my recipient’s answers and had a long discussion with my wife about what would be nice to give. Together, we created themes for each day. A tube of lip gloss and nail polish became “pamper yourself” day. A bag a chips and a mainstream magazine became “take some time to relax” day. Each day for a week, I dropped something small in her mailbox with a little note explaining the theme. The items were small and inexpensive (as per our Secret Santa rules), but the thought and care put into the gifts made them large and valuable. I gave with a purpose.

For my own family, my primary gift is the one thing no one else can give, and that’s my mere presence.

Being there.

I believe that’s the true gift of Christmas.

Dear Readers, I sincerely hope that some (or all) of you will take the time to give with a purpose, and remember not to forget the most important gift you can gift: your love and presence. Be there and enjoy each other.

73,
William