The year-end holidays are fast approaching. Did you notice? And so is all of the stress and pressure we put ourselves through, trying to find the perfect gifts for everyone from colleagues to neighbors to picky in-laws and children. But with the economy performing so poorly, many of you are probably making dramatic cuts in your gift shopping this year. And you know what? That might be a very good thing.
A bad economy doesn’t mean you have to give less. In fact, there are plenty of ways to give without spending much. Take some time to think about the people in your life to whom you really want to give. With a little planning and a lot of imagination, you might find that this year, you’ll be giving more than ever before.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Give handmade gifts. I bake cookies and send them to friends and family. Although it’s a lot of work, including the packaging and shipping of the goodies, it’s still more affordable than ordering gift baskets from gourmet stores. People who understand the love and care that you put into making things by hand truly appreciate those gifts. If you don’t bake, sew or knit something. Or make a cute t-shirt. Or make a series of photographic prints into cards. The possibilities are endless!
Give your time. One of the greatest gifts anyone can give is their time. A visit with a friend or relative gives you the chance to catch up on what has been going on in your lives, and grow closer. So pick up the phone, see what’s going on and if you can drop in for some relaxing conversation. Your presence and your interest in the person you’re visiting is a gift in itself.
Help out the neighbors. What’s so hard about helping the neighbors rake the leaves? Or clean their windows? Carry their groceries from the car into the house? Look after their pets when they’re away? It’s not hard. When you make someone else’s life easier, the world is an easier place to live in.
Volunteer. Family therapists often tell their patients that when they’re feeling down or depressed to volunteer because of the good feelings generated by giving to others. Local charities, community centers, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, and other organizations always need volunteers. Give your time and your skills to others. You’ll be amazed at how much people appreciate it.
Teach others through blogging. If you have a special skill, write and photograph a tutorial and post it on your blog. You never know who’s reading what you write, and you might be surprised how helpful your tutorial is to others. Or if you know of a great tutorial, share it with others.
Give your garden away. If you have a tree that’s producing more fruit than you can handle, don’t let it drop and rot. Gather the fruit and give it to friends and neighbors. Food is precious, especially these days when prices are rising and shortages are causing riots in some parts of the world.
Donate to charitable organizations. There’s never a bad time to look through the closet for clothing or accessories that you haven’t worn in over a year. Be honest with yourself: are you really going to wear any of it? Although donating to Goodwill or the Salvation Army is anonymous, many people who shop there are grateful for the chance to buy high quality, low-priced clothing and other items. You’re also helping the environment by preventing those items from ending up in a landfill.
Never expect anything in return. Ever. My grandmother once gave me a little poster that said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” I’ve never forgotten that because it’s so true.
So this year, go out and give. A lot. You won’t regret it.
