Best Gift of All

Hello everyone,

I have been thinking about what could possibly be the best gift of all in my opinion.

In some parts of the world a Christmas tradition is giving material gifts purchased from stores. At least this is the case where I live in the US
I participate in the tradition of purchasing gifts for family and friends for Christmas. I even participate in this tradition for other events that standard traditions require the purchasing of material gifts. I do not see anything wrong with this tradition if you can.

I want to point out what I think is the most cherished and valuable gift of all; in my opinion.

I think the gift of yourself is the best gift of all! The gift of your time, positive energy and human companionship is more valuable and appreciated than you ever might imagine.

Receiving a ride is a valued gift.

I am completely blind and as one might expect I do not drive motor vehicles; which is a good thing for the safety of all others on the road. One gift I always appreciate is a ride. I can get to some local places with a service I have called paratransit. This service can bring me to most locations in the county I live in. If the place I would like to go to is outside the county, or the busses or trains do not go to the location I wish to go to, I can’t get there then. This is why getting a ride to some locations is so valued by me.

The gift of being with family or friends.

Even better than receiving a ride to some location is the gift of being with family or friends. Some people do not have family or friends and might be lonely during the holidays. If you have family or friends take advantage of your opportunity to get connected and share yourself. Read how I was able to spend a joyful day with family and what it meant to me and what a great gift this was in a recent story I wrote: Share your Time - Pick Out a Pumpkin.

Even the simple things are very much appreciated.

When I go for walks in my neighborhood I am very happy when a person I pass on my walk takes the time to say “hello”. Sometimes they even take a few extra moments to introduce themselves. If you do not have any friends currently ,or are looking for new ones; you soon will find new friends if you have an open and friendly attitude of taking the time to talk to others and share your gift of yourself. Take it slower and enjoy the simple things in life. Cheer up someone by taking the time to say “hello” instead of just walking past in a hurry. This simple and very non-time consuming act is a great gift to the person you took the time to greet.

You literally may never have another chance to share yourself with others again.

I almost died when I was in a coma for 3 months, and in the hospital for 7 months .I lost all of my eyesight. Read a story about what it was like for me to spend some holidays in the hospital. As a result what the holidays truly mean to me, how the gift of positive energy helped me and what the value of the gift of life is: Special Thoughts during Holidays.

As we draw to an end of this current year take a moment to remember or think about what is the most important gift to you. What is a valued gift to others?

In other countries what holidays do you celebrate where you exchange store purchased material gifts? Do you have any examples of gifts that have meant a lot to you? Any non-store purchased material gift ideas you can share with us?

We all look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes and hope your holidays are filled with joy and good health.

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

Comments

[Kathy Pannell]

I am very traditional and have extended family in town. It has been a challenge to keep the family traditions going because so many are caught up in the material and functional aspects of the holidays. They stress too much on what to serve and who's coming or not instead of enjoying the time together. I have always been close to my family and friends, so I can also totally relate to appreciating being together with the people you love.

Battling cancer this year, which for me was short but intense, was much less than you had to deal with. I experienced much devotion and care from my medical staff. My family and friends were with me every step of the way. It meant more than words can say. My life changed as well.

I can also relate to the rides needed by friends or family members. My Aunt had a stroke almost 5 years ago and can't drive. Since I live down the street, I call her and take her places at least weekly so she won't have to pay for transportation and so we can spend time together. These are opportunities you can't go back and do once missed.

Thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays to you, your wife and the cats!

[Debbe Kennedy]

Dear Bill,

What a great post! Each year I learn to value more and more the non-traditional gifts.

When my father passed away some years ago, one of the treasures that has meant the most is knowing what he thought about and valued. I love finding the underlined text in his book or his writing in the margins of a page that touched him --- or a clipping of a quote he saved. He left this gift of self for me in leaving these parts of himself to stay with me.

In a box of his little treasures, I found a letter I had written him one year to tell him why I thought he was a great dad. It was the gift he kept in a special place. Obviously, he agreed with this philosophy too.

This experience has helped me be more conscious of the value of what we give from ourselves matters.

Thanks, Bill for writing this to remind us.

Debbe Kennedy