The Art of Gifting

Christmas has come and gone.  The packages that were "thoughtfully" shopped for, made and given to someone are an afterthought in many peoples mines.  Not mine.

The gifts my husband gifted to me were a reflection of the love that he has for me.  That's what gifting is all about.  Thoughtful, heartfelt, funny and given with love.  Like him, I am a gifter have always been.   I love giving things to people I know and in some cases complete strangers.  It doesn't have to be Christmas, it can be any day of the year.

One of the things I do not like is an obligated gifter.  Someone who as an after thought goes out and re gifts you something they received and absolutely think is beneath them in value to keep.  To me they don't love you or care enough about you to seek a perfect gift.

It's not the value of a gift, it's the purpose of the gift.  To show love, honor, respect and care for someone.  It's not the most expensive, the fanciest or the prettiest, but it is something of value to the receiver.....because you loved them enough to put a little effort into their gift.

I love funny gifts that are no value to anyone but me.  I love serious gifts that impact my soul and heart.  I love food, music, books....I love most everything except - "The Duty Gift !!"

Having been the receiver of that "duty" gift before,  I honestly believe that I would rather have no gift than a thoughtless gift.  Why, because the gift reflects the relationship between the giver and the gifted.

These gifts make me wonder if my relationship with the other person was ever what I thought it was. Did I ever make a difference in their life or was it always about them and I just wasn't open to seeing it.
Have I ever been a "Duty Giver?"

Well, I am here to tell you there will never be another duty gift given out by me.  If I can't think of something that impacts our relationship in a positive way, I won't be giving you something that makes you scratch your head and say "Wonder who gave this to her first?", unless of course we are playing Dirty Santa !!!!

To all who gifted me thoughtful, loving, funny and meaningful gifts I see them as a true reflection of the love you and I share for one another.  If you were a "Duty Giver"  it isn't always the thought that counts so.....I will just say Thank You !

Merry Christmas !!!!