Precious Presence
The Ultimate Gift Giving for the Holidays
It’s Everywhere You Look
You can’t get away from it.
The “perfect” gifts are inundating you as they swirl around on Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, and more.
And as you try to weather the flood of suggestions, you just might find yourself sinking under the surface begging for air.
Gulp! This feels overwhelming.
Holiday riptide alert!
How will you choose the just right gift for the people you love the most?
Is it possible to keep it simple for the ones you want to acknowledge but not go bankrupt sharing the “thought that counts?”
Does everyone really need a card or are there alternatives to sharing the spirit that save trees and stamps?
Your Mind is Grinching
For one brief second, your mind starts “grinching” (yes, I did just make up a word) as it begins to flip the entire script.
Screw it all, you think!
I haven’t gotten a card from that family in years.
Well…actually since I stopped sending them cards in 2005 when I had two children under the age of five, and I was taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s. Guess I should have put that in the family newsletter with some glitter on top.
Wait one lil’ second.
I do have a heart. A BIG one, in fact.
What am I saying?? The truth is I feel terrible that I stopped sending cards.
On multiple levels.
My dream was to have 20 consecutive pictures of my girls (hating me) for making them pose. Haha!
Now, I only have five.
And I LOVE getting cards in the mail-especially ones that include family pictures.
Self on a Shelf
Scoot over, Elf!
I need some space to just sit down for a minute and reflect about what really matters at the holidays.
Perhaps being present is really the present!
Are you following me, Elfie?
No, I’m not giving you utter permission to foresake all gift-giving that involves a debit card.
Yes, you are correct. I am prioritizing mindful shopping and the idea that being present for each other supersedes all material items.
Honestly, it’s the package deal we are all craving right now more than ever.
Healthy, happy friends and family who make us feel alive and kicking without absurd expectations.
Intentionality Matters
How can you be intentional in its execution you wonder?
Make a memory this year instead of handing over a giftbox (take a trip, see a concert, walk at the park, make a meal together, drive around and take in the lights, plan a gamenight)
Make time in your schedule to sit down and chat over a cup of tea or a glass of wine (of course, that includes appetizers, duh!)
Put your cell phone down (better yet in another room) and stare into the eyes of the one you love and liiiiissssttten
Take the five minutes required to craft a personal note or card to the people you adore the most (*extra credit for including a picture)
Watch silly holiday movies on TV and try to guess what the characters are going to say next
Holiday Hot Tip
The truth is-you are the ultimate gift to others, and spending quality time together can’t be purchased in a store.
How will you share your precious presence with others this year?
thank you, greta!!! i’m not a shopper and not everyone received a card last year. i love you saying that we are the present! and so now i’ll take a little time and see what is possible, what is special and make this holiday season work…… even beyond the holidays, maybe especially beyond the holidays! thank you!!!