by Sr. M.Melannie Svoboda, SND
It’s Christmas time again, and most of us are frantically trying to think of gifts for all those special people on our shopping lists. We want gifts that are original, meaningful, and that fit our budget. Here’s a unique list of 10 gift suggestions for “the large of heart and small of purse.” These gifts won’t cost you a dime, but that does not mean they have no value. On the contrary, when you give one of these gifts, you are giving the most priceless gift of all: yourself.
- The Gift of Listening
Psychologists tell us that one of the greatest things we can do for one another is listen. Why not give this valuable gift to those people on your list who live alone and have no one else to talk to? This means you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no walking away, not planning your response. Just listen.
- The Gift of Signs of Affection
Take the time to give your loved ones signs of affection. Be generous with your hugs, your kisses, your gentle squeezings of the hand, your pats on the back. Let these tiny actions demonstrate the great love you have inside of you.
- The Gift of a Note
Write notes to your loved ones. They can be as simple as “I love you” or as creative as a sonnet. Put your notes where they will surprise those special people: in their lunches, in their purse/bag, among socks, or cabinet shelf. Though the notes may be a surprise, the message will not.
- The Gift of Laughter
Everyone loves to laugh. Give those you love this gift. Just cut out a cartoon, clip a joke, copy a riddle, save a cleaver article. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
- The Gift of a Game
Most people have at least one game they like to play, whether it be tennis or golf, poker, chess, or checkers. Offer to play your loved one’s favorite game with him or her. Even if you lose, you’ll be a winner, because together you will have shared an experience.
- The Gift of Doing a Favor
Do favors for those special people on your list. Help with the dishes, type up that letter, clean out the basement, mow the lawn, run to the store. This gift is made more valuable when it anticipates a request rather than when it responds to one.
- The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition
Try to be cheerful around those you love. That means no complaining, no feeling sorry for yourself, no nasty comments, no screaming, no pessimistic predictions. Your gift of cheerfulness will be a precious gift for everyone—including yourself.
- The Gift of Being Left Alone
There are times in our lives when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Become more sensitive to these times in others’ lives. Then respond generously by giving them the gift of solitude, of privacy, of “do not disturb,” of being left alone.
- The Gift of a Compliment
Pay your loved ones compliments. A simple “You look good in blue” or “I like your hair that way” or “Good supper, Honey” can be of inestimable value to people who may feel they are being taken for granted.
- The Gift of Prayer
Let’s not forget one of the most immaterial yet valuable gifts we can give: the gift of prayer. Pray for all those people on your Christmas shopping list, and let them know that you pray for them. Praying for someone is another way of saying, “You are so special to me that I often talk to God about you.”