Gift giving is fun, or at least it should be.
No matter how hard you try, some people are uncomfortable receiving gifts.
Others are never satisfied with what they receive.
It’s stressful.
If money is tight, it’s best to be honest with your friends and family, and encourage them to participate in a holiday with more thoughtful gift-giving instead of flashy expensive presents. Yes, it’s supposed to be the thought that counts, but it’s also embarrassing to someone to receive an expensive gift when they can’t reciprocate. Conversely, someone’s feelings may be hurt if they receive a pack of gum after buying you an expensive sweater.
Managing expectations is important when TV and social media pepper you with commercials about giving cars, computers, expensive jewelry, and luxury vacations during the holidays.
No one should spend all year paying off Hanukkah or Christmas gifts only to do it all over again next December.
In the middle of all the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget to stop and be grateful for the little things that bring us joy.
Sometimes when I’m feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated “My Favorite Things,” from The Sound of Music pops into my head. It was one of my favorite movies when I was a child, but I stopped watching it as an adult.
Through hardships and personal loss, I’ve learned to accentuate the positives. It’s so easy to focus on what’s wrong. Problems need solutions, and we should never ignore them. But, we don’t have to let them dominate every waking moment.
When I hear that song in my head, I think of all the things I like. As the song predicts, it makes me feel better.
Do you have favorite things? A certain sunset? A song that makes you smile? A memory of a vacation or special trip? A comfort food you haven’t eaten in a long time? How about a movie, a piece of art, or a book?
What about the people you care most about in the world? Do you know their favorite things?
If not, here is a simple and inexpensive way to find out. Make a game that will tell you about each other.
1. Save an empty jar and lid (washed and dried of course).
2. Handwrite on slips of paper or type questions onto a sheet of paper then cut it up.
3. Fold the pieces of paper and put them in the jar.
4. Take turns choosing questions from the jar.
5. Everyone writes their answers on a sheet of paper before sharing them out loud. Discuss and compare.
6. Swap answer sheets at the end of the game.
7. For a variation, you can try to guess each other’s responses and award points for correct answers.
You can find out their favorite foods, music, color, likes, dislikes, books, movies, animals, hobbies, sports (teams)… the sky’s the limit. Use their answers to select the perfect gift for this holiday season.
Inexpensive Gift Ideas:
· Copy and frame the words to their favorite poem or song. If you’re not good at calligraphy, use a fancy font on your computer or a computer at the library.
· Make them their favorite meal.
· Play their favorite game with them.
· Plan a movie night at home with popcorn and drinks, and no distractions.
· Establish a weekly or monthly family game night or puzzle night.
· Use a computer to make a slide show or folder of photos to share on a flash drive. Talk about the memories. Laugh and cry for the loved ones no longer there.
· Handwritten coupons for thoughtful gestures are nice, but often forgotten. If you give one, follow through. Don’t make them reusable because you might get stuck doing something you don’t enjoy for a long time.
· You can use an empty jar to make other games. Would You Rather? Charades, Truth or Dare, Trivia.
· For the person who has everything, sometimes the gift of your time and full attention is the best gift you can give. Put the phone on mute and stop peeking at it every five minutes. Turn off the TV and catch up.
Happy Holidays!