Fridays with Franky: Making Gift-Giving Special
Happy Friday everyone! I’ve been doing some thinking during this Advent season, and I want my gifts to others this Christmas to be really special. I want them to really reflect the love and care I have for each person, and the hope I have for their future. So I’ve been doing a little brainstorming, and I thought I could reflect upon the WeHaKee values to create the ultimate gift-guide!
Camp really has opened my eyes to living out my values, and sharing that this Christmas means a lot to me. I hope it will help you reflect on what gift-giving means to you!
Community
To give the gift of community to someone this season, I want to surround them with support and love. I think a heartfelt note is a great place to start. If you want to try this out, use this list to make the note really meaningful:
- Tell the story of when you first remember this person, or how you met. If it’s a family member that was born before you, it’s still meaningful to note that they’ve been a part of your whole life.
- Recall a time when this person impacted or supported you. Give gratitude for this moment.
- Offer your time and support in return.
If you can manage it, end the note by setting up a time in the New Year to get together one-on-one. Cook them a meal or take them out for one! This gift shows lasting support beyond Christmas!
Compassion
Compassion will take a little observation on your part, but the work is always worth it. Think of a task or chore someone in your life has to do repeatedly. Can you offer to do it for them a few times as a gift? Can you think of a way to make the task more enjoyable?
This might be as simple as putting together a little care package. Write out a poem or prayer you like for the hard work this person does. Maybe include tea or other treats (I like bacon the best)!
Justice
Year-end giving is common for lots of people, and I know I always wish I could give more of my time and resources to causes I care about. Giving in someone’s name to a cause they care about shows to them that you think highly of their character. It demonstrates that you think them to be a giving person. Don’t forget to write down why you chose the organization or cause and how it connects to the person you are gifting!
Truth
This world give us plenty of opportunities to reflect on our faults and downfalls. Speak truth to your friends and family by giving them the compliments they deserve! Here’s a good formula to follow:
"[Name], I know you are [positive quality/adjective] because you do [specific action/memory].
Remember to be specific. Give concrete moments where they demonstrated this quality. This is a great note to pin to the back of a homemade or thrifted picture frame with you and your giftee pictured inside. This will remind them of you, and in turn how you see them! And, as you’ve just told them, you see them in a pretty awesome light.
Peace
People often associate this time of year with hustle and bustle, and anticipation. In the Christian and Catholic traditions, it is true, we are anticipating something. We await the birth of our savior! And even if the traditions in your home look different than Advent, you still know that it can kind of feel like it’s a mad rush to get to and through the holidays, rather than a prayerful or peaceful wait.
How can you give the gift of peace to for the holidays? By standing outside the fast-flowing rush, and inviting others to join you! Set time aside each day to reflect, even if it’s two minutes. Light a candle for a loved one, or say a prayer for a stranger.
The last thing the people in your life who truly love you want is for you to be hurried and stressed about their gift. Give the gift of peace to yourself, think on why you love the people you do, and make sure you remind them often.
As for buying, making, or finding the perfect thing for everyone on your list? You will do your best!
You can always give the gift of living your values! 🙂
Happy Friday, and Happy Advent everyone!
Love,
Franky the Camp Dog
