I believe the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever gotten were the handmade (or hand-picked) gifts from my children when they were small. My guest Annette Petrick reflects on what can make some gifts so special, It’s often the way they make us feel, and that is a powerful connection! ~ Elizabeth
Don’t miss Annette’s new gift book of 50 stories, just in time for Christmas: Tiny Little Stories of Christmas Joy Love and Wonder.
The gifts we share at Christmas are a significant way of connecting with those we love or admire. We take time and trouble considering the myriad of options for loved ones on our Christmas list.
Today’s story questions what was behind the best gift YOU ever received. Was it something handmade that took hours or days to complete? Was it just the right thing to top off your collection? Was it something you could not afford? Was it the precious gift of time?
In the age when gift cards are so easy and popular and so many people seem to already have more than they could possibly want or need, how do we still provide the magic of a truly special gift?
One of the suggestions in today’s story is giving thanks for a special gift, long after it is sent. The gift keeps on giving, so why not have the thanks do likewise. Listen to the story of my special gift. May it conjure up memories of yours.
Audio and transcript of this episode:
CLICK HERE to listen to this 90-second episode. Or read the transcript below:
What’s the BEST Christmas gift you ever received? Think about it. What pops right into your mind?
I’ll bet it’s not the most expensive gift you ever got. It’s probably the one most lovingly selected by someone who knows you very, very well and contributes regularly to your happiness.
Sometimes, a gift provides an unexpected pleasure.
I remember receiving a green imitation leather shoulder bag from an aunt. It was full lady size, even though my age had not yet hit double digits. To me, it was the symbol of being grown up. And obviously, my aunt had RECOGNIZED how grown up I was, to give me such a sophisticated – and big – purse. I dragged half of my childhood treasures around with me in that purse, so everyone could see this recognition of my new, grown-up stature in life.
I have to wonder whether my aunt ever had even an inkling of how important that gift was to me, or why. Probably not. I now wish I had told her about it, somewhere along the way.
Think about your favorite gift and what it symbolized for you. If you still can, call the person who gave it to you and tell them. What a delight it would be to hear from you with that kind of thanks. This is the season for it.
Enjoy the holidays and each other.
Annette Petrick for Consider This
Annette Petrick is the creative genius and inspired storyteller behind the Consider This Radio Show, featuring dozens of colorful 90-second episodes serving up “timely perspectives on life, love, friends, family, giving back, and giving thanks.” You’ll laugh, cry, rant, cheer, or remember. Be sure to get on her email list HERE to receive a new episode every Sunday morning.
Pick Up The Phone!
A good gift keeps on giving, for sure, whether handmade or just bought specially for you. My son/daughter-in-law are not good gift givers, but about five years ago, they walked the streets of San Francisco with me and saw me admiring some kitchen apparel (newly moved, I didn’t have many kitchen accoutrements). A few weeks later, on Christmas, I opened their gift – the purple mixing bowls and mixer I had admired. I use those bowls and mixer almost every day. And once a year, I send them a photo of them, letting them know how much they STILL MEAN to me. I think that’s a good way to enjoy/share/let others know about the joy of a gift. Let the gift-giver know every once in awhile what it means to you…years later.
What a marvelous idea, Pam! And so easy now with a smartphone snapshot. Thanks for reading and sharing this great suggestion. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for this great comment, Pamela! Sending a photo is such a wonderful way to let folks know you’re using and enjoying their gift.