GIVING WHAT YOU CAN?T WRAP

Dan Seaborn

How much time would you say you spent this year shopping for Christmas presents? If you?re anything like me, you probably spent a whole lot of hours in shops and stores, chasing down the perfect gifts for family members and loved ones.

It?s easy for me to get wrapped up in The Pursuit of The Presents. Each year, I work to give my wife a gift that will make her ooh and aah. I always want my kids to have that joyful, vibrant face they seem to reserve only for the ultimate Christmas gift.

So I work hard at my December shopping. Still, as I walked the malls and crossed items off my list this year, I found myself reflecting on a different kind of gift. I thought of the birth of Jesus and the priceless gift He was to the world, and I found myself beginning to rethink this whole idea of giving.

The effort most of us put into giving is fairly minimal, really. When you think about the whole process, it?s pretty simple to trek to a store and plunk down some cash for clothing, electronics, jewelry, and a few stocking stuffers. Stores are chock full of stuff?all we have to do is pick something off the shelf and carry it to the checkout counter. We can even get our purchases gift-wrapped while we wait in line.

Presents are great and all, but beyond that sparkle and shine, what do we really give to people? Wouldn?t it be nice if this year we could develop a giver?s attitude and offer some things that money can?t buy?

There are tons of priceless gifts you can give away this year. Here are just a few ideas:

Better than a radio

Give real communication. Turn off that new TV and have a real conversation with the people you love. Speak from the heart and listen with patience. Call the family member who you?ve been avoiding, visit the friend you haven?t had time for.

Warmer than a sweater

Give physical touch. Hug somebody you love. Put an arm around your son or daughter?s shoulder and leave it there for a while. Hold hands with your spouse. Give Grandma a kiss on the cheek. Pat a friend on the back.

Goes farther than a slinky

Give flexibility. Surrender your control of the schedule this year. Let somebody else make that important decision, and submit to their decision without saying something negative first. Plan some breaks in your daily routine, just so you can be spontaneous with friends and family.

Cooler that an Etch-A-Sketch

Give forgiveness. Erase some of the marks that have been made on your life this year. Turn your life over and shake it, and get rid of some of the bad impressions you?ve been holding on to. Be gracious to people who have hurt you; give them a chance to try again.

Nicer than a watch

Give time. Cut out some of the worthless things that clog your schedule and keep you from spending time with loved ones. Take your kids on a Saturday camping trip in the backyard. Take your spouse out to dinner. Invite some friends over to watch a movie. Say ?No? to some commitments this year, keep some Saturdays free, and fill your hours with things that matter and people you care about.

Make this a year you?ll never forget?make sure some of the things you give don?t have a price tag.

Dan Seaborn is the president and founder of Winning At Home. He wrote this article in conjunction with staff editor Lisa Velthouse. E-mail your questions or comments to hometeam@winningathome.com.