Holiday Stress Tips on Gift Giving Part Two
Gift lists can be overwhelming; family, friends, caregivers, others who serve us. Stress occurs when we can’t find ‘just the right’ gift or money is tight. Who do we give gifts to? Is our gift giving really gift exchange? Do we ever give out of duty, expectations, or guilt?
Each year I listen to shoppers rushing to fill long lists in little time; usually spending over their budget. Many comment on difficulty buying for a certain person on their list. Some honestly admit they do not want to give him or her anything but feel obligated.
Please note: I realize you may have packages purchased and wrapped for this year. If it has been frustrating, or you have not finished or even begun, now is the perfect time to spend a few minutes thinking through your personal priorities regarding gifting.
Here are a few simple tips that have served me well.
#1 Adjust your attitude. Are you still looking for a “thank you” for the special gift you sent last year? Sadly, thank you cards and calls seem in short supply in our world today. Gifts given out of a heart of love and compassion and not from guilt or duty have already received a thank you. The giving of each gift, no matter how large or small, will bring you true joy.
#2 Is there something only you can give? Does your work or hobby provide something others would appreciate? For instance, if you enjoy creating cards, make them a dozen beautiful cards with envelopes. Include stamps and a pen and you have a personal gift that says you really care.
#3 Consider the needs of the recipient. Before giving a beautiful plate of homemade candy and cookies to a family, inquire about health and nutrition restrictions. A small houseplant or greenery can be a welcome gift; it can also be an extra burden to one who doesn’t need something else to care for.
#4 Other than family, what other gifts do you want to give? Boss? Co-workers? Church or other groups? Is there a spending limit? Check this list carefully. Are you giving because you want to or because you feel compelled to do so? I have personally found relationship issues I needed to deal with before offering a gift.
#5 Determine who you will be giving gifts to in your family. Will you be drawing names? Will you continue to buy large gifts for your children after they leave the nest? What about their children, and their children? If you don’t set guidelines up front, your list may get longer and longer as your budget gets smaller. Do you have something set aside for those who drop by unexpectedly?
#6 What about those who care for your needs; i.e., postman, beautician, delivery persons, favorite waitress or waiter?
My experience as a giver and as a recipient of much giving, has led me to believe the most needed gift is love. Allow me to rephrase that statement: The Greatest Gift IS Love. We know Jesus is the Greatest Gift; He came to earth, lived, died, and rose again all because of God’s Love for us. Therefore, the greatest of all our gifts to one another should be love.
Hugs,
What has been my best shopping tip for over 30 years that I still practice today? Visit me next week and find out. Why not give someone my address this week so they can get the newsletter, too? You have signed up, right?
Yes, Susie, you are correct. The most special gifts I have ever received are those hand-made ones. The angel (made from a mop) given to me by my sister has decorated our living room wall every Christmas for the past 15 years. She is carefully packed away in tissue on January 1st and saved for the next Christmas. I even wrote a poem about her! The Santa from our daughter-in-law (made from a milk jug and white yarn)goes on that special spot on the wall every year. The cards I treasure most are the hand crafted ones, and these go in my keepsake box.
My sister taught me how to make tiny boxes from used Christmas cards. I added gold thread or ribbon in one corner, and wrote a poem for the inside to create a gift ornament for the tree. I then give the ornament back to the one who sent it to me. Here’s the verse:
I’ve made a little ornament
from the card you sent to me,
a memento from Christmas past
to grace your holiday tree.
Each time you trim your tree,
and hang the ornament there,
remember those you treasure
and breathe a little prayer.
This gift allows the recipient to remember you at Christmas, and might even guarantee a prayer said for you as well. If you’re giving one to a person who did not send a card to you, you simply change the second line of the poem:
“recycling a card sent to me”
Gold cord or narrow ribbon goes on sale right after the holidays! You will also need a ruler, pencil, scissors, and glue as tools. Happy Crafting!
Faye, thank you for your comments. How thoughtful of you to include your beautiful poem. Perhaps many will plan to use it for their friends and family; I already have one card picked out to use in that way.
Giving is so important to me. I believe we are here #1 because God gave, and #2 we were created to give.
Blessings and thanks again!
Susie,, thank you again, I look forward to your informative site,,,love to you and Russell
Diana, thanks. Next week we’ll go shopping for those gifts (in my article.)
Be sure to read Faye’s comments above; you and Lauryn could make good use of the crafty idea she included.
Hugs