<Back to Seasonings                                                          



Much has already been written about the over-commercialization of Christmas, so rest assured that we will not add to that here!

Instead, consider that very often the best gifts not only come in small packages . . . but in no packages at all!  Never underestimate the significance of "simple gifts" that you can easily give.  Consider the following true story from many years ago.

I was driving home from college in my "new" very used 1954 Chevy.  Up ahead, on the side of the wide, heavily travelled highway, I saw a late model Cadillac pulled over, its hood up, steam billowing skyward from its radiator, and an older man standing looking into the engine compartment in obvious frustration.  I eased my car over to the side in front of him and got out.  "C'mon with me," I said.  "I'll take you to the service station at the next interchange and they can help you."  The man demurred, saying he didn't want to put me out.  I told him that I was going to be going through that interchange anyhow and that it would be no trouble at all.  Reassured, but still somewhat hesitant, he got in and I took him to the station.  After ascertaining that the station would be able to help him, we shook hands, bid one another goodbye, and I went on my way.  I didn't give it any further thought.

Two weeks later a small, thin package arrived in the mail.  Opening it I found one of the most beautiful, classy, black-on-black ties I'd ever seen.  It was of a quality I couldn't afford then . . . and probably not now.  A note was enclosed.  It read:   "I got your name and address from my friends at the Motor Vehicle Department.  I've been a prison warden much of my adult life.  I've lived close-up to so many failed lives, seen so much cruelty, that I'd become cynical and jaded about human beings.  My attitude even cost me a friend or two and very nearly my marriage.  You'll never know how much it meant to me that you stopped and gave me a lift when my car was disabled.  I had about lost my faith in other people.  But you've helped to restore it."  Wow!  Who knew?

Most of the time, "we labor in the dark," never knowing if and how our words and actions might impact others.  Think about your own life for a moment.  Do you think any of your words and actions helped someone?  Who and how?  Did others' words and deeds help you?  If the latter is the case, did you let them know?  If not, is it still possible that you might?  Might not your saying "Thank You" itself be a simple  but important gift?

Below, devised by some anonymous author, are "Eight Affordable Gifts" * you might consider giving this season. 


1. The gift of listening: Really listening. No interruption, no daydreaming, no
planning a response. Just listening.

2. The gift of affection: Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses and pats on the
back. These gifts demonstrate the love you have for others.

3. The gift of laughter: Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4. The gift of a written note: It can be a simple "thanks" or a full sonnet. A brief
handwritten note can be remembered for a lifetime.

5. The gift of a compliment: A simple "you did a super job" or "you look great"
can make someone's day.

6. The gift of a favor: Go out of your way to do something kind.

7. The gift of solitude: Be sensitive of the times that we and others want to be left
alone.

8. The gift of a cheerful disposition: The easiest way to feel good is to make others
feel good.


*  From the website of Pastoral Counseling of Northern Virginia and used with permission.