Gratitude and the Art of Giving Gifts from the Heart
By Valery Larson
Tis the season of gratitude, and if you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, it will soon be the season of gift-giving. What if we looked at this as a practice run for gratitude and giving all year round? A kind of jump start for 2020 and a way to create a positive ripple.
Many years ago, while living in Minneapolis, I had a friend whose family had an ongoing tradition of making gifts for each other rather than purchasing their gift. It had to be something the giver would put care and love into, that was the rule. Despite busy lives, they created these very personal gifts and from what I could observe, it drew them closer to each other. I’ve never forgotten the impression my friend’s family made on me with their unique holiday tradition.
There is hardly anything better than being given a gift someone put time, effort and love into, no matter how simple, that encourages gratefulness and wellbeing. It’s a sense of appreciation and a feeling that one is valued. As the holiday season rolls closer and the idea of having to fight your way through the shops sends your brain into a downward spiral, go a different route and use your creativity to touch the heart of the receiver of your gift.
Here’s a fairly short list of some different gift ideas that will only take some of your time and won’t cost an arm and a leg. With some of the gifts listed, make a hand-made coupon for a future date. And just like any commitment, ya gotta follow-through, or it doesn’t count, and the receiver will feel sad.
1. Write a letter (with pen `and paper) for an older friend,a dying practice that should be revived.
2. Give yourself the gift of a date with yourself.My personal favorite is to go to Rivers End in Jenner, get some fries and a bloody Mary and stare out the window and sketch. Find something you love to do and do it with only you. You are worth getting to know!
3. Take a friend or family member to the beachand make a Cairn to honor someone who you both love or have lost.
4. Make a small corkboard in a second hand or inexpensive picture frame.Living in wine country, there are lots of corks out there. You can also find great DIY cork projects online. Check out architecturendesign.net/30-magnificent-diy-projects-you-can-do-with-wine-corks/.
5. Make a collage card representing five reasonsyou appreciate the other person.
6. Take the receiver on a picnic. Our fabulous beaches and parks make for great memories.
7. Make a gift basket with items that represent your connection to the receiver.A painted stone that memorializes a time you shared at the beach, hand dried teas and anything else that represents them.
