Tag: Giving

This is a post about holiday giving. I’m writing this one a bit early because many people are already shopping to get ahead of supply chain issues. 

Giving gifts is work. Thinking about what the other person might want, searching for a gift, finding something great, only to realize you can’t afford it. Restarting your search. Kids couldn’t possibly understand all of this, but we can teach them.

Years ago Chad and I decided that at Christmas, all of our kids would give each other, and us, gifts. They were young, so we would pay for the gifts, but they had to choose, wrap and give them. We couldn’t afford much, so the price point was low. We’d take our kids to our local shops – Curious Kidstuff, Bartell Drugs, Click, Capers – and they’d search for gifts to give. 

Some of the gifts they’ve given: a pair of socks, a very small Lego kit, a book, a candle. You might think it would be a bit sad to receive a pair of socks. But, whoever received the socks appreciated them because they’d asked for “something cozy”. They knew the giver couldn’t afford a blanket (our price point was way too low for that). So, the cozy socks were appreciated. It’s not about the size or amount or cost of the gift. It’s the thought that counts. 

And kids learn the genuine joy of giving. I remember a gift I got from Emily. She was about five years old, and she was so excited for me to open the gift she’d gotten me. She bounced in her seat with anticipation. When I opened it, I saw a large necklace full of zinc zirconium (bright, “diamonds”). I’d asked for a “chunky” necklace, and she’d delivered. Part of her enthusiasm was, she explained, because the necklace was in the jewelry case at Target. To her, getting something from the jewelry case was truly special. I think she was more excited to watch me open my gift than she was to open her own. I couldn’t help but be touched. That was years ago, and I still remember it. True holiday spirit.

We’ve found so much joy and value out of this approach, I hope others will do the same. Please don’t be deterred by the possible cost. You can give homemade gifts. If you’re not naturally creative, it might feel odd at first, but if everyone is doing it, the appreciation for the thought and effort will come.