Gifts Beyond the Box

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Pablo Picasso

Are you making your list and checking it twice? Forget who’s been naughty or nice for a moment. You want your gifts to meet expectations and not create a Christmas Day meltdown. The days of trying to find the perfect gifts for my family have long passed. The younger generation’s favorite gift is cash. No drama. No returns. No disappointments.

Rethinking Holiday Gift Giving

These days, my gifts, for the most part, come from the kitchen. Right now, I am declaring myself behind schedule.

I’m asking you to take a moment from the busyness of the holidays and think about the gifts you can’t put in a box. What is your gift? At this stage of your life, have you discovered and acknowledged what you can offer the world in return? I have friends who say they have no gifts or talents. I disagree. Every person has a gift. I challenge you to come up with three things where you excel. I am not talking about writing or painting. I mean the quiet things people come to you for help with. What are you really good at? Yes, you are good at something. What is it, and how are you giving it back to your circle of friends and family?

I know I am asking a lot of questions. That is intentional. A few moments of honest reflection during the holidays are good for your sanity and your soul.

Meaningful Gifts in This Season of Life

As we age, gift giving changes. I have reached the stage where I want my gifts to feel like a legacy, even if that legacy looks as simple as sharing a recipe. I have told you before about giving away most of my Christmas decorations. Last week, my great nieces made their final passes through the bins, and the rest went to charity. We created memories. We shared stories. And then we let things go.

Gifts That Aren’t Things

At this point in life, giving may, and probably should, look a little different. Our gifts may be more heartfelt and more legacy-building. They often show up quietly. Dropping off a casserole for someone who is overwhelmed. Grocery shopping for an elderly friend. Helping a family who is struggling with food or gifts at Christmas. Volunteering at an animal shelter. Or learning your grandchild’s favorite video game and playing it with them. They will remember that effort far longer than a wrapped present.

I look at my circle of friends and how they are using their gifts now. One opened a catering business serving Southern classics. Another volunteers at a hospice, sitting with people in their final days and supporting their families. One is skilled at knitting and crocheting and now teaches those skills to younger people. Others give their time to animal rescue or gathering clothing for the homeless. The list truly is endless.

A Better Question to Ask at the Holidays

December invites this kind of reflection. Not, what should I buy? But what do I have to give now?

I cannot answer that for you. Only you can decide which gifts you want to offer the world. Do not hold them too closely. They are part of who you are, and they are meant to be shared.

At this point in life, they may be the most valuable gifts we have to give. And they are already in our hands.

Let me know what gifts you want to share with the world around you. Remain sane as the holiday countdown continues.