Backstory
A feature story in May was about the best possible Mother’s Day gift. We had an enthusiastic response from readers and listeners. The theory applies to Christmas gifts as well. So here’s our tip.
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The Gift of Your Time – #515
Christmas is such a magical time of year. We hear Christmas carols unsung for eleven months, and yet we remember each word and sing along. The days seem filled with fairy dust and sparkles, twinkling lights and happy thoughts.
Whether the season has spiritual significance for you or is a reason for giving and remembering those who are dear. it’s a time to give thanks and to treasure friends and family and remember what’s important.
As you match your wallet with your gift list, remember the most value gift you can give may be the gift of your time. There are people in your life who would treasure that more than anything.
More time with aging relatives, listening to their stories, one more time . . . Spending social time with friends you depend on, not just calling when you need them . . . Sharing time with the kids, or your spouse or partner.
Does it take an expensive gift to show you care? Don’t be fooled by the commercials for cars and diamonds. Spending time watching a dance recital or ball game, listening to a newly written poem or planning a date night, could be far more treasured – and hardly make a dent in your budget at all.
So this Christmas please . . . stop, relax, smell the poinsettias and watch for fairy dust or at least snowflakes. Merry Christmas.
P.S.
You may be thinking that you’ve spent far too much time with family and spouse lately. Then look beyond blood relatives. Who do you love and not see, day in and day out? Do a zoom visit. Make a face call. Place a good, ole fashioned telephone call. Send a gift of their favorite food or color. Send Christmas cards this year, even if you had stopped that tradition. Figure out how to spread the gift of your time even further this year.
[Show #515]
“watch for fairy dust or at least snowflakes”…
Yes, yes, yes…I SEE THEM!
I knew you would.
Last week, I came across a Tiny Tinsel Tree in a box. Since my older son and his wife and daughter have no room for a real tree in their tiny apartment, I thought this would be just the thing! How right I was this time! The gift arrived yesterday to much fanfare. Lots of laughs and smiles. Tiny gift in a tiny apartment. Perfect.
Delightful, Jill. Excellent example of success. Your time was well spent.
Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful message — and it’s so, so true. For the last two years, I’ve given my mother (now 91 years old) the gift of time — a day every month that we both mark on our calendar when I’m at her disposal — to run errands, help her with a project, or just visit. Occasionally we have to change the date, but not often. It’s something we’ve both come to treasure.
You always comprehend the reason for the season, Elizabeth. Your mom is blessed by your gift.
This is the most meaningful post I have read this season. Thank you so much.
Your response is what makes this project such joy, George. Thank you.