Giving without spending much

Well, another holiday season is upon us. It will bring lots of cheer and excitement to some people as stores are decorated with green, orange and red colors. People will tolerate the long lines while taking advantage of the holiday sale prices of clothing, toys and gadgets among other things. A lot of people really enjoy the holiday season regardless of the increased number of people at the malls and on the highways. They look forward to the smell of pumpkin pies and other delicious treats as well as the merchandises. As for other people, unfortunately, the holidays will likely bring unhappiness, frustration, and depression. Even the sights and sounds of Christmas and the smell of holiday spices will not lift their spirits.

I remember a time when the holiday season was the best time of year for everybody in my hometown in Alabama, at least in my eyes. Everyone was happy and excited even though some of the preceding months leading up to the holiday season may have been financially challenging. People shopped for toys and gifts, while eating goodies at every store and house they visited.  

Today, it seems like the true meaning of the holiday season has changed significantly since that time. In today’s climate, the exchange of gifts has exceeded why people are truly giving. People seem to be more concerned about whether they will be receiving the hottest electronic gadget or latest designer clothing rather than generating true care and concern for others. Some people are more concerned with the value or the elegance of the gift or acceptance of the gift, as opposed to the person who is actually receiving the gift. Truthfully, I have given gifts just because it was the holiday season or I did not want to be singled out as a Scrooge or a Grinch. Why? Because like many consumers, I felt the pressure to give gifts regardless of whether I could afford it or even wanted to give a gift in the first place. I went out and spent money on gifts anyway.

Well, a few years ago during a holiday season, I changed. For that holiday season, I decided not to buy gifts for anyone. No one was going to receive a gift from me, not even my parents. To my surprise, as I was speaking with my mother weeks before Christmas, we decided that gifts would not be exchanged among our family during the holiday season. She wanted all of the family to just enjoy being with one another as opposed to buying gifts. From that day forward, with the support of my wife, our view of gift giving changed. Our family still gives—just to specific people, charities, and nonprofit organizations.

Now we live and practice the principle of giving of our time, talents, and treasures. There are times when we give gifts and there are times when just our physical presence is the gift. There is no pressure from either party, because both parties understand the significance of the holiday season.

With the pressures of the holiday season and the financial strain that is upon people, this may be a good year to express our goodwill in other ways, as opposed to buying gifts that may not be affordable anyway. Instead of spending money on things that we really cannot afford or buying things using a credit card, consider a hand-written note of love and appreciation or purchase a well-meaning card. If you decide to buy gifts, consider spending the bulk of your money on items that can benefit the real needs of people that are less fortunate than you. Look for ways of showing love and spreading holiday cheer. Remember, true giving starts at the heart. 

Lionel Shipman (c) 2016