The Holidays are fast approaching. What should I get Aunt Harriet? What about Grandma & Grandpa? Mom is so difficult to get things for. She always says she doesn't need anything. Oh dear, oh dear! I have no ideas for presents for everyone on my list.
How many of you are familiar with the above scene around Holiday time? You end up getting gifts that end up in the back of the closet after the Holidays, never to be seen again. The ugly looking lamp that you got for cousin Gertrude. The chia pet for Uncle Joe. The clapper for your brother. It seems that the Holiday season has lost it's true meaning and become commercialized. Yes, the Holidays are all about family and giving, but it doesn't matter if it is not from the heart. If you give a gift, it should be meaningful and full of love.
Everything you do should come from the heart. We all know that time is precious to us all. We don't always get to spend the time with our loved ones the way we should because of our crazy schedules. We work days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Even though we try to make time, we somehow end up showing homes (or whatever) to that couple that is in from out of town the one day your husband is home. Sometimes the schedules conflict. It never fails. Spending time with loved ones is more valuable than anything money can buy.
Instead of running to the stores for the sales just so you have a gift, try giving something more meaningful and heartfelt. Give some quality time to your relatives. If you have an older relative, help them out whatever way you can. Volunteer to give them a ride to visit a close friend. Maybe they need help doing something else. They will appreciate the little things you do for them. Life is short, so enjoy each other's company as long as you can. You will never get the time back again and they will remember it for as long as they live. Memories last forever.
If you must give gifts, give something that comes from the heart. Be creative. Making something for somebody is always appreciated. Making that birdfeeder for the bird lover in the family means a lot more than just buying it from the store. How about cooking up some meals for those that are unable to cook? Hand made arts and crafts are good gifts, too, if you are talented. They will love it, flaws and all. How about that family portrait for the grandparents? They will cherish that for the rest of their lives. There are many different ways you can give of yourself. Just think what each relative and friend would appreciate most from you.
This Holiday season, let's all remember what is important. Family and friends are a priority and spending time with them and giving of yourself means more than any store bought item.
Timely post. I think the gift giving can at times get in the way of what the holidays are about.
Hi Brigita,
Many older folks like jams and jellys--my mother's raspberry freezer jam is a hit with everyone. My dad used to like when I would give him a gift basket of all kinds of food--he especially liked the sardines because mom wouldn't buy them for him.
Good Post Brigita. As a hobby woodworker, I usually drum up something for at least 2 of my relatives each year. My parents both come from large families so it makes it impossible to do something for everyone.
Good Luck in the Contest!
Sorry. My photo must be way too big.
I wanted to add that we (each individual family unit) have agreed to make a donation to a cause that is dear to us in lieu of spending more money on clothing and toys.
I also go to amazon.com to select Newberry or Caldocott winners for each child. Books and photos. That's what I love to share with my family. The big kids will receive photos that I have taken of their children plus books that will be meaningful (hopefully) to them.
Kathleen
Brigita: Welcome to the contest and thank you for sharing your Holiday Balance with us! Good Luck and Happy Holidays to you as well! Family for me is important as well....no matter what the support is there as well.
Thanks for your contribution in supporting those that may need just the right thing to read to lift their spirits....and reinforce your own...
What contest folks???
Kathleen
I,m all for bringing back the true meaning of the Holidays but the retail industry would never go for it.
In my bookJESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Ki:
The Holidays should be meaningful for all. We need to turn a deaf ear to the retailers and listen to our hearts.
William:
I agree! We need to realize how important time is. Time is more valuable than anything on this earth. Once time is gone, it is gone forever.
Leslie:
Those are well appreciated gifts. I know I like certain special homemade treats, but I won't say no if given as gifts.
Laurie:
It would be nice if you made each of their Holidays special in some way. I am a "big sister" to a little 8 year old girl. She enjoys being with me and my taking her to the barn. That is a treat in itself for her. She loves it when I give my time to her more than anything I would buy her. Doing special things for others is not expensive, either.
Daniel:
Thanks!
It sounds like you do things from the heart. I remember the time when my husband made a window box for me, I loved that more than anything else he would have given me. It meant so much to me. Keep it up.
Kathleen:
That is such a lovely family.
I'm sure the books and the donations will be meaningful to each and every one of them. Cherish to moments while you can.
Celeste:
Thank you!
If I can make others, even if it is a few, realize the importance of family and friends, this post will be well worth it.
Kathleen:
Check out the post CONTEST TIME!! Holiday Balance of Time or Attitudes for rules.
Brian:
I wnated to let everyone know the true meaning of the Holidays.
Hugh:
I don't think the retailers will ever get the true meaning. They are too busy counting the green.
You are right! Without JESUS, we would not be celebrating the Holidays! It is HIS birthday that we are really celebrating.
"The Holidays" I see comments on one particular religion, but I believe no matter what Religious, (or Non-Religious) believe people have that your message of Time and Love is a good one.
We are such a diverse nation that maybe just sharing with others, and accepting Diversity is a good "Peaceful" Reason for the Season......and this gift can have far reaching rewards for many people. People have a tendency to think that everyone believes (or should believe) what we do......there are several variations of Beliefs for the Holiday Season.
You stated: "This Holiday season, let's all remember what is important. Family and friends are a priority and spending time with them and giving of yourself."
I couldn't agree more, and for the ones that don't have Family or Friends, this is a hard time. Not everyone is happy during this time, so giving something as simple as a Smile can help warm their day.
Kathy:
Everyone has Time and Love no matter what your Religious beliefs are. We should also cheer those that are alone during the Holidays. Even if you stop by with some freshly baked goods to spend a few moments with them, it will show that at least someone out there cares. That will lift anyone's spirits.
Kathleen:
Thank you! The Holidays would mean so much more if we stopped worrying about gifts and spent the time with those that are importanti our lives.
Diane!
We all need to get back to the real meaning of the Holidays. The Holidays are all about family and friends. Time and love are the most important gifts anyone can give.
Good morning, Margaret:
It was my pleasure sharing them with you. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and the post.
Robert:
Thank you. It definitely has more meaning when given a special gift from the heart.
A really nice gift would be a hand drawn map and directions to your office for a Title Guy :^)
I need to get over your way soon. How's the schedule? Other than Wednesday mornings - I can free up almost anything.
EXCELLENT BLOG Ms. Brigita.
What a beautiful post and so true - Time is the most precious gift we can give - your family photo's are lovely! Thanks for sharing and
Have a Blessed Holiday Season :)
Sincerely,
Grace Safrin
Thank you, Rob! I'm glad you enjoyed my post.
My schedule changes day to day. Would you like to make an appointment? That's about the only way I am able to do things lately.
Grace:
Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed the post and photos. Time is so short and we have no idea how short. We should use that time to enjoy our family and friends, especially during the Holidays.
Wishing you and your family a Blessed Holiday! :o)
Brigita
Hi, Adam!
Whenever my kids ask me what I want for Christmas, I always tell them not to get me anything. Well, thay still go out and get me something, but it is always something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. That is the greatest feeling to have and know that you are loved.
Brian:
I enjoyed writing it. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I've vowed to take time off to enjoy family time this holiday. For real. Seriously. I won't get hooked into "I'm home visiting my mom and want to see that great property on the corner." I'll refer those calls out and won't be the tour guide while my family is out having fun without me. Seems those holiday calls are the worst. You don't jump--they say something like "Don't you want to sell this house.' Then you go out and they're just killing time or getting out of mom's house for a few hours.
Erica:
It's great that you will be taking the time this year to spend with your family. That's what Christmas is all about! Enjoy them!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Vincent:
Whenever I give of myself, I have such a great feeling inside of me. During the holidays, I try to visit as many friends and acquaintances as possible. Over the years I have touched many and I end up making lots of visits. They always enjoy my company, especially the elderly. They will talk to you for hours. Giving simple things to the less fortunate always brightens up the holidays for them.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!