Giftmas Versus Christmas
As we prepare for our Christmas celebrations, we often reflect on past Christmases and remember gifts we have given or received.
Recently, I was remembering a Christmas celebration I attended many years ago that included a gift exchange. This gift exchange was a little different. It was during a time when recycling was a hot topic. So, this gift exchange was about repurposed gifts. You were to chose something from your home that you didn't need but that someone else might.
I remember one lady approaching the gift table where she chose a the most beautifully wrapped gift. Likely, hoping that what was inside the wrapping was equally beautiful. As she was returning to her seat, she stumbled causing the gift to slip from her grip. The gift hit the floor – hard. To her horror it smashed with a large POP, accompanied by the tinkling of shattered glass. As the gasps and uncomfortable laughter subsided, she picked up the gift and continued to her seat. As she carefully unwrapped the gift, she realized that the gift was not a precious treasure as the gift wrap would suggest. In fact, it was a car head light for a model she did not own. The gift was useless to her.
This time of year we find ourselves scurrying around to find the perfect gift for our loved ones. We tend to by gifts to express or convey our love. It would seem we think that the more we spend, the more we demonstrate our love.
How many of us have received a gift that although thankful just wasn't very useful or appreciated? Such a gift makes you wonder if the giver cared for or knew you at all. We've all probably given a gift like this, too. I know I have.
That's the trap. Christmas becomes more Giftmas, and we lose perspective. We don't want to give something that appears to be useless or cheap. And we don't want to "Price Check" the gift we’ve received from someone else. We start to think, 'This gift has no worth - they must not care that much about me'.
I encourage you, this Christmas, to avoid Giftmas and focus on the true meaning of Christmas by practicing gratitude and seeing the thought behind the gift. As you gather to celebrate with family and loved ones refocus your perspective. May we all see the value in the giver - not the gift. Having the right perspective, focused on gratitude, is important, isn't it? It's challenging right now to have the right perspective and attitude given all that is going on around us.
As we head into the New Year, despite the news and increased caution we must take, do not loose your hope or gratitude. Do not let pessimism win. As we head into 2022 let's start the year not only with hope but with the right perspective - gratitude and optimism.
Maria Robinson was once quoted as saying "Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."
At Advice First, our goal is to enter 2022 with the right perspective. Our mission is to help you, our clients, live the best life possible - Because life is not a rehearsal.
The end of the year is a time filled with holiday excitement, anticipation, and is a great time for reflection. It’s more than jotting down some new year’s resolutions. It's about heading into a new year with some personal and financial goals, so you are prepared to enjoy life to its fullest in 2022. Our team will be here with advice to help you along the way.
Blessings in 2022,
From Laurie, Tim, Ed & myself we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.