The bells are jingling, the frost is creeping, and the holidays are upon us! We are beginning to gather gifts for our loved ones, which has sparked some thinking about what it means to give.
When you give a gift to someone, it’s no longer yours. You’re releasing any hold you have over it, even if you have an extra special connection with it. Whoever is receiving it gets to decide how they are going to receive it. You, as the giver, have no control over what happens next. Will they appreciate it or will they see it as a mere trinket that collects dust?
No matter what happens, giving a gift in love means giving with no expectations. Don’t look for a specific response, and don’t anticipate your gift to be used in a certain way. This limits the possibilities of how your loved one can interact with the gift. Let it go, and then find contentment knowing that you did your best to communicate a special message.
When we have an honest heart, we’ll be moved to give a gift to someone in the time that it is needed. Instead of keeping that special something, you gave it to someone you care about. How beautiful it is to give!
When we find that we are in a season of abundance, we have so much that we can’t hold onto all of it. Imagine hands holding a pile of vegetable seeds that are spilling out. Having more than enough makes us want to give freely to others! Let that pure love overflow onto your family, friends, and those you don’t know very well.
This holiday season, we are trying to give gifts that don’t require the purchase of an object. We brainstormed some ideas that involve the five love languages. Here are ways to say “I love you” that don’t involve something from the store:
- Drop off baked goods or a meal to a friend.
- Host a cozy game night or dinner.
- Create a “honey-do” list (things that you will do for someone; a backrub, doing dishes after dinner, or delivering lunch to their office).
- Spend quality time with a loved one, doing activities that you both enjoy.
- Write a note telling them how much they mean to you. Be specific!
- Give a hug, foot rub, or other forms of physical touch.
- Find an organization that aligns with your values or passions. Donate your time to giving back to your community, whether it’s an Alzheimer’s run, a holiday-themed charity, or whatever else that draws you.
When you’re out and about and a stranger is really kind to you, they probably won’t realize how much they affected your day. We see their kindness as a gift. Give them a smile, and keep that love overflowing when you interact with the next stranger.
What non-traditional gifts are you giving this year? Share your ideas in the comments. Happy giving!
Until next thyme,
My Thyme Gardens