Unsatisfied Gift Giving? : Domestic Cents

While sewing some gift bags today my mind was contemplating what I plan to fill them with; nothing extraordinary, but hopefully meaningful to the recipients. I did my best to create and purchase meaningful gifts this year. None of them were expensive. Noone is going to be blown away by what extravagent gifts they will be receiving, but I think they’ll be able to tell that I care.

I thought of some past Christmases when I had been less than thrilled with what I had been able to give to the people I care about. I hadn’t put any creativity into my gift-giving, resigning myself to my meager budget. If that’s how you’re feeling today, like your gifts are sub-par and it’s too late to do anything about it, I want you to know that it’s not too late.

What I’m going to suggest will sound over-simplistic to you, but that’s ok, that’s how I do things. A lot of people are in hard times right now and I think it’s bringing about a lot of reflection on what’s truly important. Here’s what I suggest. Take out a pen and paper (scrapbooking paper or cardstock if you have it) and write a personal note to the recipient of your gift. The note is an expression of the heart behind the gift. Pen a few sentences expressing your gratitude for your loved one and their place in your life. Attatch it to your gift and observe when they open it. What moved them more; the gift or the note? Maybe you’ll do a little more note-writing in the future.

Why I do what I do ~ I had to smile today when my 3-year-old niece was confronted with a poor choice she made. Her immediate response was, “it’s not my fault Auntie Nicki.” That was the first time I’d heard her say that. Shaking my head, I thought to myself … “and it begins.”

photo credit: Mademoiselle?Ayumi