Brie, my office manager, brought me a beautifully wrapped Christmas present. I asked her if I could open it on Christmas Day. She had put so much care into wrapping it, that I wanted to look at it some more before tearing into it. She sweetly said: "I'd rather you open it now." Reluctantly I did. Inside I found something that brought tears to my eyes: it was a lovely, silver card holder with this inscription on it: "You're An Inspiration".
Brie's gift touched my heart. She is a person I greatly admire and it means a lot to me. I can not think of another present I could have enjoyed more.
Giving someone that "Magic Gift" speaks to the heart. It lets the person know that you "get them". You understand who they are; you understand what makes them tick. The thought that goes into garnering that perfect gift is a lot more important than the amount of money spent on it. I would much rather receive a well thought out present, one that lets me know that the person put a lot of thought into it, than getting a gift card, or cash, regardless of the amount... Isn't that the reason behind gift giving? Showing the other person that you cherish them?
What are some of your "Magic Gifts", things received that really spoke to your heart? Things remembered and treasured forever? I'd love to hear from you on this! It might give others some extraordinary last minute ideas...
Massage... Very relaxing. Great gift for someone who has a lot of stress in their life.
Thanks for your suggestion, Terrylynn!
You are right Karen! Bringing me to tears is not something that happens often.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Karen!
My broker calls himself a Foreclosure Broker.... he's been working with banks and listing them for years. Once he gets the listing, he usually has to change locks for the seller and because he is busy, it is sometimes done at night by flashlight.
Well, I happened to be with him one night while doing this and watched him struggle with a flashlight, screwdriver and door-knob. That year for Christmas, I got him a miners flashlight that he could wear on his head, freeing his hands to change the locks and door knobs.
At first, he wasn't sure what I had given him. It was fun to see the smile grow on his face when he finally figured it out! And yes.... He does use it.
The gift that touched my heart was diamond earrings when it was a stretch to afford them. And, a diamond bracelet when it wasn't. Are we sensing a theme here?
Happy Holidays!
My husband & I have been blessed. We still remember the tough times so we try to help someone in need each year at Christmas time.
We have given - rent paid in full for Dec. to a family that had little money for gifts
An annoynymous gift certif. to a single mother nice & early so she could buy gifts.
It is far better to give than receive.
But the best was the gift my daughter & I received this year.
My daughter is A single Mom on a tight budget.
She cashed in her change to do some shopping. She had just bought some gifts, left the store, stopped to donate to the salvation army & went to her car.
When she was in her car noticed her wallet missing, she alerted the store and thought there goes Christmas all her money & credit cards gone.
The next day the store called...
she got her wallet, all the money & credit cards.
We received faith in our fellow human beings. And know there are many good people out there. Pass along the goodness...........................
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your story with us!
We are constantly bombarded with horrible stories of bad actions, yet lovely stories like yours unravel every day without much attention. Stories of good people being good, kind and correct.
The method of parenting I implemented with both of my kids has always been by noticing their good behavior and bragging about it. It works with most everybody. Encourage good behavior by noticing good behavior.
I'm glad I make you happy, because you sure make me happy!
You'll need that TomTom!
2008 will be a great year for you Chris!
Las Vegas... is almost here! So is the cruise...