Tag: gratitude

Thanksgiving

This year I’m particularly thankful for the people around me.

My neighbors, who we can count on for everything from taking care of our house while we’re gone to sharing advice about raising kids. Payton graduated in the middle of Covid-19. Graduation was cancelled. No one was going anywhere. I called on my neighbors and they showed up – eager and ready to create a celebration just for him.

My girlfriends, who are my essential support network. They’ve been by my side through life’s celebrations and challenges over the past 15 years. Thank you for the past, present and future.

My Dad. who is….my Dad. Despite being in my forties, I still find comfort knowing he’s there. If something went really wrong in life, I’d have him to go to – to hug me while I cry, to advise me through a problem, to hand me a martini after a tough day.

My Dad’s wife. For loving him and for loving my kids as a grandmother. I miss my Mom, and I’m grateful for you (it took a while for me to learn I can feel both at the same time).

My family – the Frampton/Augustine side. We’ll miss you this Thanksgiving! But we’re excited about your new adventure, and we wish you a safe and happy turkey day.

My family – the Wollmuth/Thornburgh side. For sharing funny, supportive, congratulatory text messages when we all need it. Celebrating our birthdays, wishing Happy Thanksgiving, announcing achievements. 

My sister. Who is, and always will be, my very best friend (and, on behalf of my kids, thanks for your chocolate chip cookies. They’re the best!)

And I’m grateful for my family. I’m happy to have my son home from college. He’s a sophomore year at the University of Portland, and I don’t know how many more of these Thanksgivings I’ll get.  I’m grateful my kids still want to play our family game – soccer or ultimate frisbee. Something to get some fresh air and exercise before our big Thanksgiving meal.

And for my husband, Chad. Who asked me for “two more minutes” to snuggle in bed before we got up today. 

What are you thankful for today?

Teach Kids the Joy of 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.