Since I'm into talking about the holiday season already, I figured I might as well roll with the theme. While I know in my last post I must have seemed completely anti-shopping, I am not against gift giving. However I must say that I rather prefer getting and giving a gift when they are most needed than when a holiday says that I should give or get one.
For example, when I first moved into my apartment, my grandmother decided that I needed an area rug and that she wanted to be the one to get it for me because she knew I wouldn't buy it for myself. Thus I went out ahead of time and found one that was very affordable, will last me for years to come, and would be what both of us would agree upon for the space. Then we had a great time shopping together to pick it up. Christmas came early then.
Last weekend when I was down at my grandmother's again, she had just heard me rant the time before about how people should give gifts when they see needs rather than at birthdays and holidays. Thus when I walked in her door on the table was a package wrapped in Christmas paper and the excitement on her face for me to open it. It was a pedometer, as I'd been talking with her on the phone about wanting to know how far I am walking on a weekly basis, and again she knew I would never buy a pedometer for myself. Thus again Christmas came early and this time in wrapping too. (although I must add that this wasn't a true need.....I had mixed feelings about this one, although appreciated the thought all the same)
Tonight felt like another Christmas moment. Mom was having a women's society meeting at the house so I got to spend the evening with my father. We went to dinner and then spent the evening running errands. We returned the library books, dropped a card off at the post office, and then went shopping. Dad bought me plastic to winterize the old leaky window I still have and then caulking so I can recaulk my bathtub. Then he bought me groceries that will last for the next several weeks. However the best part was spending three consistent hours with just my father-talking when a thought entered our minds, discussing nutrition, looking at CDs or other items that interested us but neither one of us needed to buy, buying things that will be used, but mainly just being present in comfortable silence while enjoying being together. Thanksgiving and Christmas came early.
Two weekends ago, when my mother came up to visit family and we spent the morning together. She knew I didn't have the money to buy myself new pants, so we went thrift store shopping together and she got me the two pairs of pants and a sweater. And then coming home this weekend and seeing the scarves she's made and the hats & gloves she has purchased for me to donate to the street youth. Christmas came early this year.
These are the moments and the items (among others) that are "under" my tree this year, and which make me hopeful that this Christmas there won't be any other packages awaiting me under the tree. For when my needs are meet in this way, no other gifts are necessary. The individuals in my lives and the way they provide for me in multiple ways are my gifts throughout the year. No additional expectation demanded or desired.
These are the moments that to me represent what giving is truly about and that really make the joy of the Christmas season present all year long. When we give from our hearts-whether through time, action, donation, or providing for another's actual needs in a way that they can or will not....this is giving at it's finest. And when we give in this way, we have the entirety of the actual holiday season to celebrate the meanings of Thanksgiving and Christmas without having to get caught up in society's expectations for what the seasons have become. Giving remains pure throughout the year and the holiday season remains pure in its celebrations. So go ahead and give-just be mindful of how your purchases impact the planet, the wallet, and the well-being of yourself and those to who you give to-and take a chance on giving of just yourself or in a way that will meet an individual's needs. So ho-ho-ho-and to all a good night!
4 comments:
You are right, our thoughts were in the same direction today. Must be something in the air : )
I too prefer the idea of gift giving when something is needed rather than for a specified date! Your recent gifts sound perfect :)
How good is it to get something you need, when you need it. You have this gift giving really sorted out, SA. I have to say too that your family sounds lovely.
I don't want any gifts, I have all I need. My true gifts come when I give something to someone who is in need or enriched by the gift.
Excellent post --- and so true. It sounds like you are finding what makes life truly meaningful. I absolutely LOVE giving gifts. Receiving is okay too, but it's the giving that I find so much fun! When I go to lunch with a friend --- I take a gift. If I go visit them at their home --- I take a gift. If they come to my house for a meal --- I usually have a gift for them then as well. These gifts might not always be 'practical' (although sometimes they are) but usually they are handcrafted and come from my heart. I keep two bins filled with things I make or purchase for gifts --- I buy for friends birthday's and the holiday's all year long. This way I am always prepared and it becomes a joy to give rather than a 'task'. And yes, usually the birthday gifts to friends are given not at their actual birthday, but during a time we are together an can share time together (especially if they live far away). I've rambled on long enough --- but I loved your post. Thanks for sharing. I could go on for awhile (my mother-in-law was a master at doing as you described) but I better stop for now, as I'm taking up all your space! LOL!
LaTeaDah
Post a Comment