A Perfect Holiday Gift

25 Nov 2008

by Bethe Almeras

in Benefits, Parenting

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I don't know about you, but I find the holiday season to be a little overwhelming. Somewhere along the line joy gave way to stress, and the focus shifted from spreading cheer to keeping score.

How many times have you thought one of the following: "I need to get this person a present because they got me one last year." Or, "I need to spend at least $50 on Jerry, because he gave the kids that expensive toy." Or, "Billy needs the latest game system because all his friends have it." Forget about the fact that Billy already has a game system, or the fact that he needs to spend less time in front of a screen. He just HAS to have it.

Not to sound bah-humbug about it -- I LOVE the holidays, or what it at the heart of the holidays: Reconnecting with friends and family, beautiful music, decorations, pie (shhhh!), and a renewed faith in the essential goodness of humanity.

What I do not love is watching perfectly sane adults turn into crazy people spending enormous amounts of money -- so they can fulfill a self-made gift list longer than their arms.

In this economy, the over-commercialization of the holiday is more alarming than ever. If there was ever a time to stop the insanity and take a look at how we spend and what we value, it's now. If there was ever a time to teach children about the value of a dollar and the importance of priorities and the true meaning of the holiday season, it's now. We are out of tomorrows on this one folks -- the time is NOW.

This holiday season, let's get back to basics and start a new tradition: Give the gift of time and goodwill. Spend time as a family doing things that you love -- hiking, making snowmen, baking together. Visit friends and family and share stories, sing carols, and play games. Consider doing a service project together in your community or making a family donation to a favorite charity. Make the commitment to remember that the spirit of giving comes in all shapes and sizes, and doesn't have to come with a price tag.

Don't be alarmed -- I am not advocating for NO presents. Just a reasonable and thoughtful approach to gift giving, and one that won't leave us all with buyer's remorse -- instead of lasting memories.

Happy Holidays!

 

Bethe Almeras is the Senior Manager for Family and Educator Programs for the National Wildlife Federation and Campaign Manager for Green Hour.

 

 
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This year, many of us are doing what we call "gifting." We are looking over the stuff we have in our homes and are giving each other something that we already have that we know they would love. There are things that I have that remind me of one of my friends or that I have heard them mention and that will be what I will give them. It not only saves me from buying more stuff, but is a good way to clear the house and still enjoy seeing the things I like. This is especially fun with clothes, jewelry, hats, etc. Also, with children, they can choose one of their toys to give to charity or to include with the baskets that are given to needy families during this time of the year. M.G.

From Mary Gillihan on 02 Dec 2008

Beth,Go GREEN HOUE! Here is another perfect gift if give to my students, family and curious friends. Ever see a plant move when you tickle it? The TickleMe Plant grows year round indoors, closes its leaves and lowers its branches when tickled. Here is an affordable, GREEN gift that anyone who enjoys plants, nature, gardening and science will love! My office loves getting these.It is an easy flowering plant to grow in a TickleMe Plant Greenhouse. When I first saw it move I was startled and amazed. You’ll love seeing the big smile on the face of the staff member who comes in to tell you that the plants moved for the first time!It is my favorite gift for friends and family as most have never heard of it or owned one. Visit http://www.ticklemeplant.com for the TickleMe Plant Greenhouse, more information and videos of the live plant.

From Sensitive Plant on 30 Nov 2008

Great post - perfect timing. Gift giving can become a Keeping Up With The Jones' kind of thing. Mindfulness will serve us all well.

From oscar lozano on 25 Nov 2008