The holiday season is a time of celebration and giving. It reinforces the importance of sharing with others. This includes buying a gift for a loved one or contributing time and money to the less fortunate in our community.
Along with these gifts, there is also an exceptional level of giving that isn’t influenced by how much we make or what we’re worth. These unique gifts build our spiritual prosperity by nurturing the emotional needs of those we know. They also help us to form friendships with those we don’t.
These gifts impact the rich, the poor and those of us in between. These gifts do not need a budget, and there’s no drawing of names and no “post-holiday credit card shock”. We can afford to give these gifts to everyone, as often as we want and throughout the year.
Here are 8 Gifts that Do No Cost a Cent:
The Gift of Listening
However, you really must listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response, just listening.
The Gift of Affection
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions show the love you have for family and friends.
The Gift of Laughter
Clip cartoons, share articles, funny stories, and good clean jokes. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
The Gift of a Written Note
It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime and has even been known to change a life.
The Gift of a Compliment
A pure and sincere “That was a wonderful meal”, “You did an excellent job”, can make someone’s day.
The Gift of a Favour
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
The Gift of Solitude
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition
The easiest way to make others feel good is to extend a kind word to someone with a cheerful voice. Say “Hello” or “Thank you” with the holiday spirit in your voice!
I wish you and your loved ones a blessed holiday season!
Rob
Image courtesy of Shimelle Laine