We know that December is known as the season of giving. And as much as we would love to give, we need to really understand and be mindful of the things that make the gifts worth giving.
1. What is my attitude?
I have never been a fan of gift giving, especially when it comes to Kris Kringle and when I pick out a name whose name is longer than the amount of time I have ever spent with him or her.
Of course, I can always drag myself to the store and buy the first affordable thing I saw at the store and get it over and done with. Or, I can really put the right attitude into it and take my time to find out what that person really wants or needs, bearing in mind it might probably cost more than what it was agreed.
I know that some of you are Rule Nazis and would not go over even a single cent from the preset amount, but if I learned anything from the Kris Kringle I had at my old office, they really did not care about the rules. One even got the Limited Edition Collectors DVD Box Set worth hundreds of dollars that the person actually liked, even when it was supposed to only be a $30 Kris Kringle. They were willing to extend the rules and gave extravagantly just to make a person happy.
2. What is my motivation?
In December, a lot of us would probably give to people whom we would not normally give. Many would even go and donate to charity organisations and to others who we do not personally know but are less fortunate than us.
So we give them presents. We give them money. But do we really give them our hearts?
Those who are blessed with resources will find it easy to spend in order to give others. But do not let this privilege voids us into giving with the right motivation: love and compassion.
I often question myself whenever I give to someone I do not know: do I do this just to satisfy my obligation as a sensible person? Or is it only to make me feel better about myself? Have I, knowingly or unknowingly, severed the emotional connection that is critical in the process of giving?
Also, sometimes it is a lot easier to give someone we don't know or will never going to meet again. We do not have to pay the emotional price implied in the cost of gift giving. But then to not pay this proce would be such a shame.
December is a time to give. It is also a time to celebrate. So let us celebrate by giving with the right motive and attitude. Let our mind rest, knowing the fact that our gifts produce something real and meaningful. And with that, let us carry on this lesson further beyond December and into every single giving opportunity we have in the future.
Enjoy giving!
