Anxiety about giving the wrong thing. Little money. No time. There are lots of reasons why it is hard to give presents. But for all the stress the Christmas holiday delivers, there is a redeeming reward.
I recently received a letter from my sister, who shared the excitement her little boys felt when they received their birthday presents, which were neither expensive nor unusual. The true reason I give presents? The gifts made the boys – and my sister – feel loved.
The candy and small puzzles arrived on their birthday. They loved them so much. Nico put his sequestered in his special bedside drawer and Luca exclaimed, “I love this present so much I’m going to wrap it up and open it again tomorrow!”You were so thoughtful to get them such perfect presents. They loved them and it means a lot to me that you remember their birthday. PS. Nico still has his pack of gum (empty) displayed on his bedside table!
If you are doubting the spirit of Christmas, I hope this revives you. If you’re still in Scrooge mode, you might like a story I wrote on my previous blog, The Bargain Hunter, about a gift of garbage that delighted my nephews in 2007. Are you in the holiday spirit now?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
its important to remember what the holidays are about- spreading cheer and good will. its hard with all the stress of the holidays to keep a smile on your face, but just one small gesture a day for someone can go far… last night i bought the person behind me in the starbucks drive-through their coffee (total 4.70). it wasn’t much, but thinking about the smile i probably put on her face, made my smile last the rest of the night. whether it is giving a helping hand to an elderly person with their grocery bags, or donating cans for a homeless shelter, or putting a smile on a kids face with the perfect present, it is important to remember that the best feeling of all is receiving a grin 🙂
@shasta What a nice gift!
I sent a gift package to my parents this year as a sign of my love, since I won’t be with them this Christmas. A little wine, framed photo of the family, Godiva, & cute Stein Mart goodies (a candle and cool holiday-esque holder) go a long way! I want them to know I’m thinking of them.
This season, I learned more of the true nature of Christmas. At one of my positions, my boss is older than me, in her sixties. Her and I are both friends with another individual; he is in his late fifties.
It’s not about money, it’s about getting something that means something. For example, my fiance doesn’t have enough money to buy anything technological for Christmas. I went ahead and bought him an older-model Netbook. The money, how much it costs, doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that I bought something that he could use, and means the most to him.
The meaning of Christmas is love, and giving. That’s what my dad taught me since I was a little girl.
🙂