Giving More with Less

This weekend was spent decorating the outside of our house for the holidays and shopping for Christmas presents, a ritual we tend to each year like millions of other families. The worsening economic situation in our nation has dampened the spirits of many merchants whose end of year profits are dependent on heavy consumer spending. Many families will be celebrating this Christmas season with fewer gifts and a more subdued outlook for the New Year.

Perhaps each of us would benefit from a different view about gift giving. Instead of finding the best deal on a flat screen TV, the latest video game, or that “must have” toy wouldn’t it be wonderful to give even more while spending less? Yes, there are important gifts that won’t break your bank account or add debt to your balance sheet. Let’s call them the “hidden gifts” but they are far from invisible.

These gifts begin with how we treat each other. In the workplace, the marketplace, or at home everyone deserves the gifts of respect and love. We can all be more truthful, more patient, and more caring. Everyone needs someone to listen to them, empathize with them, and forgive them. If we removed prejudice from our communities and celebrated diversity with joy that would be a hidden gift.

In a world gone mad with violence the gift of peace doesn’t have to be a dream. We can reach out in a spirit of harmony to the broken homes and families we know, offering love and support where it seems in short supply. In the uncertainties of job loss and home foreclosures we can plant seeds of hope and optimism. Perhaps we can remember our own times of need and anxiety and how good it felt to know that others cared.

Hidden gifts like our smiles, kind words, and acts of gratitude are inexpensive reminders of the true reason for this season. Many of us will quickly tire of the trendy gadgets received on Christmas day. Few of us can forget the memories of time spent with a friend dying of cancer or a day serving soup at the local shelter. We remember because these are the important things that connect us to each other.

I don’t expect everyone to abandon family traditions of gift exchanges and festive celebrations around food and drink. What I’m wishing for during this holiday season is more attention to the invisible (the “hidden gifts” of love, joy, peace, and goodwill) knowing they will produce visible results in the years to come. Let’s all give more of these gifts to our colleagues, customers, families, and friends!