Not All Gifts Come Wrapped

Among the best Christmas gifts that I’ve received are some that were not wrapped and tied with a bow or placed under the tree!! Do you resonate with such an experience? As we’re one week into 2025, looking back at these precious gifts evokes emotions, making them the most memorable of all the presents we’ve received. Don’t you agree?

The spirit of giving

As said by St Francis of Assisi, “For it is in giving that we receive”. How many times have you crossed paths with people who are generous, kind, and loving despite their personal circumstances and struggles? Despite the chaos of the world, we sometimes receive joy, peace, and happiness through people who touch our lives in many ways. A loving smile, a kind word, a forgiving heart, a generous hand, or a kind gesture makes a big difference in the lives of people at the receiving end. These are some valuable gifts that make our Christmas and New Year truly special and memorable.

Buying Gifts

Buying presents in today’s age is just a click away, and plenty of online delivery apps are available at our service. But being there for those who yearn for our attention and time, isn’t easy in a busy and self-centered world. Giving your time, listening, and responding, or just being there and experiencing the bonding, takes a heart that knows the true meaning of giving. Have you appreciated the gifts in your life that can’t be seen, but only be felt?

Holding the hands of your little kids, giving a warm hug to your parents and spouse, a gentle smile to your neighbor, spending quality time with family, and acknowledging the goodness you’ve received from people with meaningful gifts is the real essence of any celebration.

To wish and greet people at this time of the year is common and doesn’t take much time as we know. But making sure that you stay in touch with your loved ones especially those who’ve made a difference in your life, despite your busy life could be difficult but surely worth it. Have we been able to see beyond the holiday tradition and embrace the gifts from above sent with love into our hearts?

How Do You Measure?

It is not the size or cost of your gift that makes it special. It is the goodness of your heart and the love with which you give your present that makes it special.

Although we give much importance to the price and the size of what we buy for our loved ones, giving away generously and showing genuine care with things that can’t be measured such as love, time, values, and trust makes your gift valuable and memorable. Have you been able to give without measure to those who have given you things that can’t be measured?

A Cheerful Giver

Don’t we sometimes give under compulsion, only to keep the tradition alive?

‘It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving ‘- Mother Teresa.

Giving and receiving with a cheerful heart makes the season joyful and strengthens our relationships. It adds meaning to life, by touching hearts and creating a sense of genuine trust in relationships.

When we look for recognition or praise for what we give to others, the true joy of giving fades away and makes place for bitterness in our hearts. When the reason for giving is to meet the needs of others and spread joy, the gifts you give to others bring peace to your heart and add meaning to the lives of others.

How do you appreciate the gifts in your life that are not wrapped? Do share in the comments.