Finding That Perfect Gift

It’s that time of year when we work so hard to find that perfect gift for those special people in our lives. It is work too! We ponder each person, consider what they might enjoy, go in search of finding it, wrap it up all pretty, and deliver it.

When we watch someone experience receiving our gift, we are able to witness the payoff of gift giving first hand. We are thanked in their reactions. We feel good.

Giving to others is a gift that we give to ourselves.

It is a pleasurable, rewarding, feel good experience to give. A simple smile from the receiver tells it all. Our gift has brought some joy. We’ve made a difference.

It warms our heart to give.

There are many gifts that are not purchasable that feel good to both give and receive. We can with intention remember to include them in our holiday gift giving fare:

…the gift of tolerance for those whose lives are vastly different than my own
…the gift of understanding that not every one thinks as I do
…the gift of time to listen
…the gift of telling someone that I care
…the gift of patience for those around me as
…the gift of acknowledging and letting go of my judgments of others
…the gift of a smile
…the gift of recognizing the efforts another puts forth
…the gift of kindness towards a stranger
…the gift of love
…the gift of openness in my attitudes and in my heart
…the gift of sharing of myself with others
…the gift of a hug
…the gift of being grateful for the people in our lives and telling them so
…the gift of managing my emotional reactions in healthy ways
…the gift of a peaceful heart

These are just of few of the gifts that money can’t buy yet make a huge difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. These gifts involve work on our part. They may not be easy to give or so easy for us to acknowledge our effort to give them. Yet the rewards for giving the gifts that money can’t buy are vastly fulfilling.

In the midst of our holiday preparations we can pause, be reflective and remember to intentionally give focus to these gifts that have far longer lasting impact than any of the store bought items we so hope will bring joy.

What gifts do you hope to impart in the world around you this holiday season?