“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”—Zig Ziglar
Christmas is called a time of giving, but, if we are honest, it is more a time of wanting. Think about it. Have you ever asked anyone what they were giving for Christmas? Of course, not. We likely ask people what they want for Christmas. This is okay, I suppose—especially if we intend to give them what they want or need. Unfortunately, though, we tend to gravitate toward an attitude of wanting rather than of giving. We make our lists—maybe you still write to Santa or ask him in “person”. We think about the things we want rather than appreciating the things we have. This often leave gratitude in the shadows.
We end November with a day of “Thanksgiving” only to turn around and make the Friday after—“Black Friday”—the biggest shopping day of the year. We express our gratitude only to quickly turn to thoughts of wish lists and resolutions. December becomes a stressful month of fighting crowds and spending money. Gratitude seems to have a short shelf life.
Giving is wonderful—if it is done with gratitude instead of obligation. There is joy in having the opportunity to give—in having the ability to give. There is joy in having someone to whom to give.
For me, the greatest joy in giving is to be able to give the unexpected gift that is just what the person wanted but didn’t ask for. I don’t enjoy giving someone what they asked for. There is no thrill of surprise.
I appreciate the gifts that come from the heart. They might not always be what I wanted, but knowing that someone put thought into trying to buy me what they thought I would like is heart-warming. It may not have immediate meaning to me, but I know that it has some deep significance for the giver. Even so-called “gag gifts” can have intention, if we take the time and the gratitude to consider it.
There is very little I want this season. Nonetheless, I know that my wife and kids will surprise me with more than one unexpected gift. I am grateful that I can give to them gifts. I am grateful that they are with me to receive the gifts.
My wife and I have made a deal. We aren’t to buy lavish gifts for each other. Instead, we write a letter to the other. These come from the heart and always mean more than anything we can buy. We have agreed just to buy stocking stuffers. Of course, the stockings will be overfull, as we always bend the rules a bit. Personally, I have more fun bending the rules and trying pack her stocking with many thoughtful items.
If giving is a chore, we need to reconsider our motivations. We must give out of gratitude, not obligation.
Most importantly this season, we must receive with gratitude. Rather than looking for a gift receipt and rushing out to take advantage of after-Christmas sales, perhaps we can take just a moment with each gift to consider the thought that went into the giving.
We say: “it is better to give than receive.” Perhaps. Maybe, though, we can consider that both have equal weight when partnered with gratitude?
As we wrap our final gifts and prepare to leave them under the tree, let us take pause and consider that we are blessed to both give and receive. Moreover, let us be more grateful for the opportunity to be present than for receiving presents.
Blessings!
Carpe momento!