The Gift that Keeps on Giving, and Giving and Giving

Tis is the season of giving, right?  So, as you plan to head out into the mosh pit of shoppers, let’s ponder something profound…what are we really doing?

Aside from the fact that CHRIST-mas is now considered a dirty word, have all of the distractions of tradition taken the wind out of what we are really supposed to be about during this time?  Hoadish getting and misguided giving has replaced giving with a purpose in many aspects of our society.

Are the gifts we give those loved ones and acquaintances really something that can make a lasting impact?  Does a new game system, regardless how Wii-under-ful or PS-itively amazing it might be, really offer anything of substance?

If you can read this, you have something to be grateful/thankful for and I would argue, we all have a responsibility to contribute something lasting to those we know and even those we encounter occasionally on our life’s journeys.  After all, no one should go without, if we can at all do something about it.  But, more than gifts, we can decide to be a change agent without spending any change from our pockets.

In his article  (“Consumers Still Wary About Holiday Spending”), Sky Grid Managing Editor Chris Pummer wrote that consumers in general were a bit squeamish about spending money this holiday season, even though the economy seems to be doing a bit better (according to the experts).  But, one thing I found particularly interesting in the piece was the fact that the amount of money estimated to be spent over the 2009 holidays would still top $90 billion, yes, billion.

For all we spend on friends, loved ones, co-workers, part time-enemies, what does it really do?  People still come into this time of year stressed out, depressed and scattered, instead of peaceful and joyous, as so many of the songs we sing enthusiastically proclaim.  At times, it seems many give out of a sense of duty and not out of truly wanting to have an impact.  I know, I know…it’s for the kids.  Well what about that?  Does it benefit a child to receive a gift or toy that may be broken or cast aside by the end of the day?  What if we used this time to teach them how to give, instead of how to receive only?

Here’s an idea.  What if we all made a conscious decision to give something to someone else, something that doesn’t cost anything.  Not something you bought online or in a store, but something that requires a lot more thought and a lot less financial commitment.  How about contacting a friend that lost a loved one this year and spending some time with and encouraging them?  How about visiting a nursing home or hospital (swine flu fears aside)?  What about a simple smile at someone that may not smile back?   A letter, phone call or email out of love, not merely out of duty?  What about adopting a family and bless them, not so much yourself.  Or, taking the time to share your faith and wisdom.

In many ways, it is even more challenging to come up with non-financial ways to impact someone, it takes real thought.  We go through life and the holiday season numb, acting out of action and duty instead of selflessly giving and contributing.  Spending money is easy, impacting through commitment is a challenge, but more rewarding in the end.

P.S. Medicinenet.com has some great tips for fighting holiday depression and sadness, check them out here.

They include:

•                Live "in the moment" and enjoy the present.

•                If you are lonely, try volunteering to help others.

•                Find free activities, like looking at holiday decorations, window-shopping without buying, and watching the winter weather, whether it's a snowflake or a raindrop.

•                Try something new.

•                Celebrate the holidays in a new way.

•                Spend time with supportive and caring people.

•                Reach out and make new friends.