When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.
– Maya Angelou
Giving is one of the wonderful and powerful laws of the universe that flows between human beings. We have an opportunity, at this time of year, to practice strengthening our connection to others through gratitude and gift giving. The gifts we give and receive to and from one another can be a very loving and meaningful exchange.
How can such a beautiful premise turn into the stressful and difficult task it has often become? Gift giving can be complicated with unrealistic expectations and commercially generated, materialistic beliefs. We can lose sight of why we are giving gifts and instead get caught up in what we need to give to others to impress them or make them happy.
In the process we over-spend, shop-til-we-drop, and stress ourselves out trying to find the perfect gift. Here are some practical tips we can use to create a gift giving practice that promotes a sense of balance in both our bank books and our want to make people happy.
MAKE A BUDGET
Let’s face it, much of the stress of gift giving comes from over-spending. We can avoid creating debt if we look at what we can spend honestly. If we are open to sticking to a set amount of money we are more likely to start the New Year feeling financially stable.
Taking the time before we start spending and mindfully deciding what is a reasonable amount of money to use allows us to feel in control and come out of the holidays without financial regret and resentment.
GIVE GROUP GIFTS
If there are people on our gift giving list that are all in one home, considering giving one gift to all of them can be a great option. Family baskets with several small things that the family can appreciate together is a lovely gift. Also, there are family gifts such as family memberships to attractions, movie or event tickets, board games or 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles.
GIVE HOMEMADE GIFTS
There are so many ways to give gifts without spending a lot of money. All we need is a little creativity and to give ourselves the time to make our gifts. We can bake, make sauces and preserves, make ornaments, create scrapbooks of memories we have shared, create a piece of art, write a poem, make a mixed tape of their favourite music or make a piece of jewelry. We all have special, creative talents that when we tap into have the possibility to create beautiful and meaningful gifts.
GIVE GIFTS OF SERVICE
Think of all the things we can offer to do to help others. We can help care for children, offer to cook a meal, do errands to give people more time, or some specific talent we possess which could definitely make someone happy if they received it. Come up with a thoughtful and creative way to present it and it will be a gift welcomed by its recipient.
REMEMBER WE ARE A GIFT
The precious gifts of love, kindness, compassion and authentic connection are priceless. Too often we forget just how valuable we are to one another. A hug, taking the time to listen, going for a walk or helping in the kitchen to prepare a lovely meal are incredible gifts that cost us nothing!
Gift giving is a wonderful way to show how much we care about one another. It feels great when we give something and we know it will be appreciated. By taking a little time to think outside of the box we can feel less stressed out and enjoy the feeling of giving and receiving this holiday season.
Karla Smith is our Toronto~West Branch Director and a Certified Personal Life Skills Coach who supports people struggling with transitional phases and crises they are facing in their lives. Together with her clients, she helps uncover personal blocks and past traumas, teaches new tools and skills that create positive shifts, and sets and implements goals to transform clients toward empowering and joyful living.
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