Between new Apple products and the hottest clothing trends, there are numerous possibilities to give gifts to friends and family. However, it can be difficult and expensive to make them light up like a Christmas tree. There's this sense of being afraid to find the best gifts to give our friends and family who deserve the world and them. We're scared to disappoint them with a present that they may think is lame.
I succumb to that question every single year. I try to come up with something that would knock the socks off of friends and families. I still have the thought in the back of my mind that they may not like it — I know I could have done better or not have been so cheap with it. For other friends, I ask myself if they will be upset if I only send a card instead of something they can unwrap. I drive myself crazy worrying about this every year. How much money do I need to spend in order for my gifts to be considered generous? I know I'm not the only one who stresses about it, but maybe we should take a step away from Target or Walmart (as tempting as that may be.)
It's very easy to fall into the trap of wanting the newest upgrades in phones, other electronics, cars, and more. If we don't have the best of the best, we're behind everyone else and have things that can be deemed to exist in the dinosaur age within the next few months or so. Basic, well-functioning items don't satisfy us anymore--we're hungry for better, faster, and more luxurious for everything and anything that we can get our hands on.
One of my friends shared this video about taking a different perspective on the gift-giving mentality, which grabbed my attention. It may be cheesy or a little silly a few times, but the message hits home.
If we can hit a pause button on life for a quick second, let's take a look around and see what we already have. Most of us have a roof over our head for protection and comfort. We have loving parents and families who bend over backwards financially and emotionally for us to take advantage of amazing opportunities that we may be offered. We have strong, close friendships that are overwhelmed with support, laughter, and other beautiful memories that we've had the pleasure of experiencing. Some of us may have personally afforded our own cars as our mean of transportation and others may have received them as gifts. Good health and good fortune are priceless things to possess. For those that may not have car, family or friends, and/or a house to live in, waking up every morning is a gift from God.
The next time you may wish that you had the newest Apple watch or something else that someone has, stop and see what you already have. Spending time with your family and friends creates more memories and experiences that could never be assigned monetary value. Waking up every morning, filling your day with activities, and going to sleep every night can't have a price tag attached. Having faith and believing in it, as well as love, gives us more than anything we could ever buy. We're already blessed with so much that life has offered that no tangible object could ever compete. Giving a little bit of kindness, compassion and love to others makes up for anything that you could ever think of buying. Some of the best presents can't be wrapped and placed under the tree.
