'Tis the season, no? Autumn was great, and is gone--we know because the pumpkins have be replaced by wreaths, lights twinkle on just about anything that will stand still, and folks are making lists and checking them twice. The lists include goodies of all sorts, and why wouldn't they? This is the season of giving--we're expected to give "stuff" to each other and, in fact, we're taught that this is how we show love--the gift of "stuff" Our society is built from the ground up on the notion that getting "stuff" is very important, especially this time of year.
I believe, however, that love is what makes a gift. The "stuff" is fine, but then you have all this "stuff" and rarely does is do much more than weigh you down and leave you wanting other "stuff". What we really want (need, actually) is each other's love which lifts us up instead of weighing us down--then, when we want more of THAT, we find it to be available in abundance. Soon, when we discover how our gift giving can have an impact far beyond the initial gift--our "love" button gets pushed and giving takes on a whole new meaning. Here are some gift suggestions that have pushed my "love" button and how they might keep kiving long after the gifting season is gone.
1.) Home baked goods.
All joking aside, who doesn't like a home baked goodie? I happen to be a sucker for a well made fruit cake and don't understand why in the world people groan when recieiving them. Breads, cookies, candies...these are fun, eco-friendly, and carry no consumerism baggage. When enjoying a sweet or salty treat given by a loved one, I can feel the love they've poured into the package--and the best part is you can share it, sending the love down the line! That is the point of gifting, right?
2.) Theater Tickets: The ultimate experience in community.
Yes, I know that because I make my living as a theater artist this might look like a self-promotion...but know that I work in the non-profit theater sector primarily because I believe in it. Most theaters across the U.S. are run as non-profit organizations, and well they should be. The impact that a local theater company on any given community is HUGE--they stimulate local economy, they improve quality of life for patrons, which in turn stimulates growth and the economy, and they provide students with learning opportunities that impact every part of their lives (not just the artistic part)--All of this is done in collaborative way that involves the corporate community, the education community, and on and on, and on. Plus--its plain fun. When you purchase a ticket to a local, non-profit theater you are truly investing in your community. Plus you've given your loved one a culturally significant experience. I could go on and on--
3.) Time, times two.
Speaking of non-profit organizations, what better way to give of yourself than to give to your time--it's the most precious and valuable thing you have, and you have more than enough to give. Organizations abound that allow you to serve the needs of others. Can't put that under the tree for your nephew you say? Sure you can!--try this: Make a list of 5 organizations in your community, and make a time matching gift. YOU spend 20 hours at the homeless shelter(etc), and so will I! We'll do it together. This way you've doubled your time gift, and built your relationship with that nephew in the process (not to mention taught him a valuable lesson about the joy of giving rather than receiving.)
4.) Reusable water bottle.
Did you know that it costs more money to drink bottled water than to put gas in your car--up to five times more--due mainly to its packaging and transportation. Plus the damage done to the Earth by all those left over bottles is devastating...all for very little benefit as bottled water is statistically no more healthy than tap water. By carrying your own water bottles around you make a huge difference in the world--and what with all the trendy cool models like THESE by the good people at SIGG, water bottles make the perfect accessory. Bring your own bottle, save the world, and look hot doing it...how could you do better that that?
5.) A Furry Friend.
Giving a home to a needy animal brings unmeasurable rewards! Furry Friends offer companionship, contribute love, and make a house a home. Every town or city in the U.S. has a shelter that is brimming with sweet, cuddly pets-to-be, and the one nearest you is sure to have a critter that is just the right fit for your friend. Get uber-creative and sustainable by gifting a laying hen who will produce eggs for feasting and provide an opportunity to teach youngsters responsibility. An additional family member in the form of a family pet is never a bad way to go!
6.) If it's living, it's love.
As living beings we're programmed to share life with other living beings--what a gift it is to care for something living, watch it grow, and enjoy the world with it. So, give a plant, a flower garden kit, a rose bush. Not "Christmasy" enough for you? How about this snassy Heirloom Scotch Pine Christmas Tree starter from Cafe Gratitude? You get to plant the tree, enjoy raising it, and in doing so, invest in the future...what a handsome Christmas tree it will grow to be! Plus, helping out the good people at Cafe Gratitude is just a snugly thing to do--way to make the gift count!
7.) Give your zip code
Know any local artists, wood-workers, bakers, etc.? Buying from these folks is great on so many levels. Your money stays in your community, it stimulates your economy, and it insures that your loved ones get one of a kind goodies. In my community, we have quilters. In my community we have wood-workers. In my community we have local musicians. In my community we have sculptors and potters. By supporting these people and stimulating their business (thereby stimulating their work) you give a gift to EVERYONE--your support ensures that they'll be around longer and everyone benefits. If you're eating your zip code through the year you might decide to give some canned food items from your pantry. Whatever it is, you'll find that you and your loved ones are blessed by spending your resources locally.
8.) Buy it used, make it "New Plus You"
Old stuff isn't old when you pour yourself into it...a "New Plus You" something or other is, in fact, one of a kind, which makes it even better! Re-furbish an antique piece of furniture to make it beautiful and filled with your love. You'll have given something far more valuable than you could ever purchase in a national store, and you'll have spent less doing it.
9.) The gift of taking away.
A dear friend of mine has two little tykes and she's made a beautiful tradition in her home that teaches her little ones to give. Each Christmas, they count their new gifts and for each new toy received, they must choose one to give away to someone less fortunate. I love it. What a concept! The gifts go to those who need to be loved most. The gifts are green (cuz they weren't purchased new) and free of consumerism baggage. Best of all, the giving of these gifts will instill a spirit in the kids that will outlast their parent's choices...likely spreading to the generations. I can think of no better gift to give those kids than to teach them to give things away!
10.) Inspiration
Each of these gifts come with an added bonus...by gifting this way, you inspire others to do the same. When they feel the warm fuzzy love you've given and realize that they can learn from your example, you'll have acheived something special--your gifting will have gone on to innumerable others. What a thought.
Peace and love to you all this gifting season.
May your giving be about sharing,
May your giving be about love!
Mikey
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