As we get older, we realize what’s truly important in our lives: doing things that make us happy, connecting with people, family, great friends, memories and quality time. It’s all the things that are not tangible yet weighs in value much more than gold.
So over the years, my gift giving aim to peel it’s layers down to
gifts that are thoughtful, meaningful or to share quality time. Not so much materialistic gifts. Because hey, if I really wanted that Canon T1i, I could get it for myself. Yet, if I want a memorable day with my best friend at the xoo, I can’t create that memory with a credit card and my sole body. (Though it WOULD be funny if I brought a full size cut-out board of my best friend to the zoo with me.)
To be honest, I first entered this holiday season not feeling the holiday fuzziness- my sister was away, I was traveling around the country, thought most of my girlfriends were going to be out of town. BUT I was pleasantly thrilled that the most important people in my life did come together for the holiday!
Christmas Eve, I spent with my wonderful mum as she made lobster and we talked about life and love.
Come Christmas Day at my best friends house, all my close girlfriends (and their significant others) came! We shared delicious vietnamese food, laughed, did the booty dance in teletubie-like robes and sang songs all afternoon.
The day after Christmas, was my brother’s birthday. He passed away 5 years ago and we always celebrate his birthday with our family and his friends. Got to play pillow war with my nephew (taking him to the zoo tomorrow!), caught up with my brother’s friends and see how they’ve matured.
Sure, you can say I didn’t receive many beautifully wrapped present boxes this year, but let me tell yah, the joy and quality time spent with loved ones made out to be a thousand gift boxes filled with love. and that’s how I like it!
The best gift I received this year this video that my good friend, Danny, made for my brother. I only see Danny once in a couple years and I was really happy that he came to spend time with us for my brother’s birthday. It’s gifts like these that you’ll always cherish, remember and really makes your heart tear up and makes your heart happy.
I really didn’t get alot of christmas gifts this year but there was one I really enjoyed. My sister bought me this twilight teeshirt… which basically said “My heart belongs to Jacob because Edward bites) kinda silly but it made me laugh. This year I didn’t have that much money to spend on gifts so I ended making tons of homemade cards for people. It was just one small way I could show everyone how much I cared about them. It was great to put a smile on peoples faces for a change.
i have an artist friend who would make paintings as gifts for christmas. one year, i received a wonderful painting from him, that’s still hanging in my mum’s kitchen.
Well, after I was burglarized for over $12k this Thanksgiving while away on a trip (which was turning to be quite great), I didn’t plan to do much for Christmas. However, karma works in mysterious and splendid ways. My folks recieved the volunteer of the year award from the city. That and the tons of support from those who mean the most in my life was greatly felt this Holiday season. That and I was told by a least a dozen people I talked to in the last month that I inspired them or made them feel stronger in their own personal life or pursuits. I think that last part was awesome.
Vanae, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. I had no idea. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must’ve been for you to go through and you have my deepest sympathy.
My uncle was recently diagnosed with leukemia a few months ago and is now off of chemo. His recovery is steadily increasing and his head is full of hair now. It was great seeing him during Christmas. This sets the bar for the best Christmas present the family and I has ever got.
This is such a small small small world!!! I know Dandiggity too and his younger brother John.
Hope your enjoying the stool.
I really didn’t get alot of christmas gifts this year but there was one I really enjoyed. My sister bought me this twilight teeshirt… which basically said “My heart belongs to Jacob because Edward bites) kinda silly but it made me laugh. This year I didn’t have that much money to spend on gifts so I ended making tons of homemade cards for people. It was just one small way I could show everyone how much I cared about them. It was great to put a smile on peoples faces for a change.
aww handmade cards are great. thoughtful.
i have an artist friend who would make paintings as gifts for christmas. one year, i received a wonderful painting from him, that’s still hanging in my mum’s kitchen.
handmade is the best.
V
Just wanted to say,very well said! =]
x
thank you, v’star grant!
Well, after I was burglarized for over $12k this Thanksgiving while away on a trip (which was turning to be quite great), I didn’t plan to do much for Christmas. However, karma works in mysterious and splendid ways. My folks recieved the volunteer of the year award from the city. That and the tons of support from those who mean the most in my life was greatly felt this Holiday season. That and I was told by a least a dozen people I talked to in the last month that I inspired them or made them feel stronger in their own personal life or pursuits. I think that last part was awesome.
hey M,
sorry to hear about the burglary. but i’m very happy to hear the positive happenings afterwards.
being acknowledged that you’re inspiring people, that’s powerful and very feel-good. keep up the awesome!
V
We are saying in my country that money doesnt give happiness. Neither material gifts. Until they are meaningful.
v’star maxx,
true dat!
Vanae, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. I had no idea. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must’ve been for you to go through and you have my deepest sympathy.
My condolences to your brother.
My uncle was recently diagnosed with leukemia a few months ago and is now off of chemo. His recovery is steadily increasing and his head is full of hair now. It was great seeing him during Christmas. This sets the bar for the best Christmas present the family and I has ever got.
This is such a small small small world!!! I know Dandiggity too and his younger brother John.
Hope your enjoying the stool.
-Anthony