Making Gifts A Pleasure
As we reach the time of year when Christmas items start to appear in the stores, and thoughts of vacations start to wind down with the shortening daylight, it is a good time to think about gifts. Not only the gifts, though, but also the practise of giving. Offering a gift can be a mutual pleasure; some might say it should be a pleasure for giver and recipient. A problem with a modern commercial Christmas, however, is that buying gifts can become a chore. Often it is a stress ridden chore in the dying days before Christmas Day, as everything gets left to the last minute. A true gift, though, should bring with it no stress; it should come from the heart to be a true gift, and not be out of duty. If someone is resentful of having to spend time and money buying Christmas gifts, then the result is not a gift but a token of duty. Why not make this next Christmas a time to make the choosing of individual gifts a pleasure for yourself, and for the recipient. Often in the last minute haste to buy gifts in time for Christmas Day, people become detached from not only the purpose, but the person to whom they are giving. Bought hastily in a crowded stress filled store, scarcely a thought may pass for the individual on the receiving end, however close they may be to you. Most of the year, if not all, can be filled with work, commuting, rushing here and there, stress, and self focus. How about time and attention for those who really matter in your life, whether spouse, offspring, other relatives, friends or colleagues? The choosing of a gift, and presentation of it, can be a silent way of giving each of them special attention, and then culminating with their pleasure at the receipt of the gift. Behind every good present there is a person who worked hard to make the best choice. The secret to buying the perfect gift is to think about the message you want to send out, when the receiver opens it. If you think about his or her hobbies, to his or her vacation plans etc. It means you have really studied that person and you bought the present precisely for them, for that occasion; in this case, Christmas. Friendship and caring are themselves are a gift, so you can see that if you put some real selfless effort into choosing gifts, the value of the gift is magnified. That is something which will shine through the wrapping paper, and in the moment of giving the pleasure that you feel in making the gesture will radiate in the warmth of your expression. The choosing and the giving of a gift are inseparable. With Christmas some way off, now is a good time to start thinking about the meaning of giving, so that by the time Christmas comes, there will be no thinking "oh, this Christmas gift business is a chore." Instead of thinking about the physical aspects and "inconvenience" of buying Christmas gifts, of the costs and effect on your credit card, think about the love, respect and caring that you feel for those to whom you will be giving. That way you will beat the stress before it surfaces, and enjoy the act of giving as a true pleasure. This Christmas article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner of the Gifts For Xmas website and http://www.xmas-ornament.com
Related News
Times are tight – but there’s always cash for a holiday - Independent
Meanwhile, look who's heading off on holidays - Sydney Morning Herald
Meanwhile, look who's heading off on holidaysSydney Morning Herald, Australia -13 hours ago... work was going on as normal, it appears Ms Neal, who last Thursday finally agreed to a police interview about the dinner drama, is planning a holiday. ... |
Farm holidays put vacationers in touch with the land - Vancouver Sun
The Maddie factor that will haunt this year's family holidays - guardian.co.uk
Santa’s Helpers getting early start on holidays - Huntsville Item
Santa’s Helpers getting early start on holidaysHuntsville Item, TX -46 minutes ago... primarily a youth ministry at Wesley Memorial UMC, and the youth of the church will be involved in the collection of toys through the winter holidays. ... |
Mortgage holidays 'can be effective' - Saveborrowspend.co.uk
Mortgage holidays'can be effective'Saveborrowspend.co.uk, UK -10 hours agoOpting to take a mortgage holiday can be a useful tool for some borrowers, one expert has claimed. Although taking a break from payments may not be the best ... |
Fewer holidays this year as money's tighter - TravelBite.co.uk
Fewer holidays this year as money's tighterTravelBite.co.uk, UK -10 hours agoBrits will take fewer holidays this year as rising inflation and the credit crunch make money tighter, according to the latest poll by Norwich Union. ... |
Are you being green washed? - guardian.co.uk
Are you being green washed?guardian.co.uk, UK -3 hours agoResponsible Travel promises 'hand-picked holidays from hundreds of specialist operators who care about the environment and local people'. ... |
Record gas prices keep people home for the holidays - KBCI CBS 2
Home swapping provides a break from pricey holidays - Scotsman
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
What Are You Doing This Halloween?
When it comes to Halloween there's no lack of variety in the things that you could do. From trick or treating (with the kids)
to touring Haunted House attractions, finding something NOT to do would be more of a challenge.
How Santa Makes Out His Christmas List
How Does Santa Make Out His List?
Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentines Day
Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays, having appeared in many forms. But all "Valentine's Days" have drawn suspicion. In fact, after hundreds of years of attempted reform, Christian observance came to an end when the Catholic Church purged St. Valentine's Day from its calendar in 1969.
Make Every Day a Mothers Day!
The word mother and mothers day are simple, yet powerful little words that you hear all the time especially so around the time of mothers day when everyone seem to be scrambling for ideas to say thank you, you are surely loved and you are appreciated all over again.
Top 50 Christmas Quotations
"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart." -- George Matthew Adams
Say I Love You For Valentines Day
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the one you love. Whether you are looking for something special on a tight budget or would simply like to add something special to another gift, there's no better way to express your love than by saying it in a variety of languages.
10 Stress Free Tips to Pamper Mom This Mothers Day
Mothers Day is the day we set aside each year to show appreciation to our own mother and to the mothers in our lives that we love. Traditionally Mothers Day is the big "Flowers and Chocolate" day. While most moms do enjoy lovely flowers and chocolate, below are some ways that we can pamper mom with gifts and activities that she will remember for years to come.
10 Tips for More Meaningful Holidays
No matter how many lists you make, cards you send, gifts you buy, or packages you wrap, there will be things you intended to do this holiday season that won't get done. If you do manage to get everything done, but you're too tired to enjoy the season, everyone suffers.
Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different....
Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas - where everyone is singing Christmas carols and there is joy in the house? Alas, your Christmas memories are often filled with Uncle Joe getting drunk and your parents ending up in a fight. By the end of Christmas day family members are mad and no one is talking to one another.
The Last Laugh: Parental Pranks for April 1
The exact origin of April Fool's Day is uncertain, but popular belief is that it began in France with the adoption of a new calendar. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar (still in use today) replaced the long-standing Julian calendar and New Year's celebrations were moved from April 1 to January 1.
30th Birthday Gift Ideas
Choosing a birthday gift for a friend about to turn thirty years old can be a challenging task. You want to honor the special day with a unique gift, but not necessarily draw attention to their age. After all, thirty is the pivotal year of life when we transition from young adults to full-fledged grownups. Make your loved one feel their best on their big day by choosing a gift that focuses on the beginning of his or her life, not the number of years that have passed.
St Valentines Day, Festival of the Matchmakers
There are as many as eight possible Valentines Day origins and the three most likely contenders were all early church martyrs.
A Thankful Thanksgiving
You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful Thanksgiving. Aren't all Thanksgivings Thankful? Unfortunately, no. As a person who has experienced over 70 Thanksgivings, I recognize that being thankful is something that we have to work at, even on Thanksgiving.
Valentine Gifts From The Heart
One of my fondest childhood memories is of my mother helping me make a Valentine's box to take to school. We pulled out white paste, an old shoebox, scraps of doilies, and construction paper. There was a flurry of activity as I cut and pasted, and imagined my box filled with homemade Valentines from classmates and secret admirers.
5 Things Your Christmas Table Should Not Be Without
Christmas dinner probably the most elaborate and complex dinners you will have to prepare all year. Chances are there will be many friends and family members attending so you will want to make sure everything is just right. In order to help you do this, I have compiled a list of 5 things which your Christmas dinner table should not be without. I can help you with the setting of your table, but the responsibility of actually cooking the dinner remains in your hands.
Memorial Day: 3 Ways To Honor American Soldiers
The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated as Memorial Day. Now, during that weekend, beer and picnic
supply sales skyrocket. Travelers drive our nation's highways en masse. And don't forget the Indy 500.
Valentine?s Day Ideas for Singles
Maybe your significant other is overseas in the military. Maybe you have suffered a recent divorce. Whatever the reason, you may find yourself alone this Valentine's Day. Does this mean you should sit at home feeling sorry for yourself? I think not. Here are some ideas for people who find themselves alone this year.
You Better Not Lie, I?m Telling You Why
Santa Claus Is Coming
Holiday Promotion Tips
Are you ready for Mother's Day? Yes I realize it's still a week or two away, but if you haven't started your Mother's Day promotions yet it might already be too late. I know of one company that has completely sold out of their big Easter product 3 weeks prior to Easter (yes completely sold out!). So if you haven't done so already, work up some Mother's Day promotions and start contacting your previous customers and lists.
Buying Jewelry for Mother?s Day or How To Buy The Perfect Gift for Mom Without Getting Ripped Off
Jewelry can be the perfect gift for mom on Mother's Day, but there are pitfalls, especially if you rush at the last minute. Procrastination and a lack of knowledge can be rewarded with overpaying for a piece of jewelry or even worse, being ripped-off.
|
