"To give of oneself is the true act of giving." ~Mama Hen
To give is something that encompasses so many things. There is the special feeling of doing something kind for someone else and the joy received when seeing their face light up. It is also something so special for the person receiving the present. A gift does not have to consist of much money spent or any money at all. It is the actual offering of oneself that is the true gift. Sometimes at this time of the year we all become frantic with what we "have" to give and we lose sight of what is truly important. The art of giving should be through one's heart and not one's wallet. I have always liked making things for the people I love. I think it shows that my feelings and soul went into the gift. If that is not possible I try very hard to find a very thoughtful gift. This all takes time and quite frankly should start far in advance to the holidays. At the same time I think it is essential that we should "give back" in some way to those who do not have the same luxuries as ourselves. In celebration of Jesus' birthday, His gift should be forwarded to those in need. How do you make gift giving special?
Have a happy Smile Sunday!
I agree whole-heartedly.
ReplyDeleteI bought all my presents online, so I haven't been in the stores for weeks. I needed wrapping paper so I ventured out to the local Walmart last night. It broke my heart to hear the anger - and even swearing - in the aisles as people rushed to get past each other or to look at the same item as another shopper. What happened to the Christmas Spirit that made us be nice to each other?
I must admit that I haven't given handmade gifts for a long time, but there's a special joy that you feel when you do make a gift that you don't get when you buy a gift. (I don't know how to make video games for the kids and that's what they've wanted over the past few years!)
Hope you and Little Chick have a wonderful holiday - the visit to the penguins was a great start. (I just love the look on Little Chick's face when she's looking at the big ole bow in the first photo!)
Ahh Little Chick as a little! How precious. I totally agree with everything you said. A handmade gift is SO special! xo
ReplyDeleteI found that making gifts this year really made it special. The time my daughter and I spent working on presents really centered on thinking about the gift that the past year with her three grandparents has been. We made a great memento for the grandparents and had fun doing it.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture just melts my heart! Too cute!
ReplyDeleteAww such a sweet post. The pics are soo precious!!
ReplyDeletepictures are precious...love all of the baby pics :) sweet post Mama!
ReplyDeleteI agree, giving is a fine art. From the look of wonder on Little Chick's face in those pics, I'd say she's enjoying the beautiful heart of the giver :)
ReplyDeleteWe've been making or at least handwrapping + arranging our Christmas gifts since few years ago. We felt it's a nice way to add that personal touch and we're more involved in each aspect of the gifts.
ReplyDeleteLove the last picture of Little Chick! Too cute!
Great pics of lil chick when she was a baby. I like making holiday treats for loved ones. I also like to give to those least expecting it and insist that it's not reciprocal so no one is rolling their eyes to give something in return. Great post and sorry to hear lil chick may have gotten sick (and you) at the gym. ugh!
ReplyDeleteJust as the first commenter posted about shopping on line, great idea in order to not deal with those that are Angry. I'm dreading going out to pic up a couple things that I do have to get.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics of lil chick, precious memories for sure.
Viola over at www.alongawidowedroad.blogspot.com
just have to say these photos are just darling.
ReplyDeletewe make a lot of homemade gifts over here -- i have a super yummy hot chocolate recipe that works great as a gift (with a gift card to dairy queen too), a wreath of birdseed that is so neat, and soup in a jar recipe that's always fun to give.
happy sunday!
This was a beautiful post! I couldn't agree with you more, the spirit of giving is wonderful! Those pictures of Little Chick are too cute!
ReplyDeleteI love looking at the older pictures of your little girl...it's amazing how much she's grown up. Yes, I try to make gift giving special by surprising someone with a gift for no special occasion. Then the thought counts that much more!
ReplyDeleteSo precious!
ReplyDeleteSo darling, Mama Hen! We took the girls on Saturday to a pet shelter where they donated $50 and spent time with some cats and kittens. It feels good to give to those in need!
ReplyDeleteLove the vintage LC photos! I try my best to put thought into gift giving, it's why gift giving is a part of Xmas. Just as god gifted us with his son, we pass on that spirit with material gifts. We dontate to the food pantry and I make a big deal of donating to the Salvation Army bell ringers. My 4 year old knows that there are those less fortunate and she points out every ringing bell and asks to help.
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