Giving from A to Z – 26 ideas…
A is for Anonymous
Give an anonymous gift, something I love to do and have done. That’s the subject of a blog post that will be coming later. . .
B is for Better Place
Make the world a better place by what you give back, by being here, by who you are every day, and by how you use the talents you’ve been given.
C is for Christmas Spirit
People often say they’d like to keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year. Most think more about gifts and giving at Christmas than any other time. Wouldn’t it be nice to have people be more joyful, more cheerful, kind to strangers, showing love, giving to the needy – not just at Christmas but all year? Remembering what’s really important, being grateful for what we have, thinking more of others, and giving to others, even in little ways – these would all help keep the Christmas spirit alive.
D is for Dad
The guy we usually DON’T think of giving gifts – until it’s Father’s Day, I’m guilty of that too. And, then what we give him might be just a tie. . . If you’re lucky, he’s given you so much all your life. There’s so much dads can give to their children, starting with their simple presence (i.e. not running out on the family, even when it’s tough). Dads give us love, discipline, support, security and so much more. They teach us how to do things, and often (not always) are the ones who put a roof over our heads and food on the table. There’s a lot your dad probably gave you. We should be thinking of giving back at other times besides Father’s Day.
Before the emails start – I know a lot of the above can and does apply to mom too – but I already had a word and entry for the letter “M” 😉
E is for Early Christmas Shopping
Ok, the holiday just passed may be affecting this list and blog post a little too much. . . But “early Christmas shopping” is what I like to do and try to do. It’s what some people do, maybe you do? But also what many don’t do . . .Unfortunately it’s what I really didn’t do this past Christmas 🙁
F is for Forgive
Another type of gift, but probably not exactly what you’re thinking. This is the subject of a blog post I’ll be writing later. . .
G is for . . .
Wow, far too many choices here, and too many places to go with this entry. How about this:
The graceful, glamorous and neither greedy nor grabby but sometimes gossipy girl was giddy, glad and grateful for the grand, generous, but slightly gaudy gift given by the good, gentle, gifted, grownup but goofy guy.
I probably could’ve worked a few more in there but thought it should make at least a teeny, tiny, small bit of sense 😉
H is for Hand
As in “give me a hand.” Something you undoubtedly already do, sometimes without even thinking. But it is a way to give. It’s also usually your hands that literally, physically give the gift, although hopefully ,it came from the heart (another H word. . .).
I is for I Should Give Up
NO. Please don’t give up. There are many reasons why to not give up, and there are several good web pages that say it perhaps better than I could. Here’s just one I liked.
J is for Joy
In the best case scenario – joy for the giver in giving the gift, and for the receiver because of the wonderful gift you gave.
K is for Kindness
As in “an act of random kindness” which obviously is itself a gift and a way to give.
L is for love
Love is the greatest gift of all. Wait – a gift of a million dollars would be pretty great too ! . . . no – Love is indeed the greatest gift of all.
M is for Money
Money is not my favorite thing to give. Not because of the cost, but just because it can seem impersonal, lazy. But, on the other hand, I understand there are definitely times when it may be the best gift. Like, for a grandma who can’t get out to go shopping. Or for the super hard-to-buy-for person. If you’re going to do it – there are some neat ways to give money
N is for Needy
Not all of our gifts are to the needy, and that’s ok. But, no matter how bad things are, there’s almost always someone needier than you. Helen Keller said “I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.” You’re probably also tired of hearing pleas to give to the needy, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t those who are truly needy and we shouldn’t do what we can.
O is for Optimism
Optimism is a gift, a gift that I confess I don’t have. Some people are naturally optimistic and positive, however, I’m not. A good friend of mine years ago gave me a book trying to help me. It was rather large, but I did read it. . . . Unfortunately, I no longer have it, nor remember the title. It didn’t “cure me”, but I do remember it was about numerous teams and individuals, and the optimistic ones always did better. Optimistic people expect the best and always look at the bright side. It allows them to be more open to possibilities, more creative, and todo their best. They’re usually also happier. Being optimistic is something I’m still working on . . .
P is for Present
Another word for gift (ok, maybe that was an obvious, lazy choice 😉
Instead, how about . . .
P is for Pay It Forward
Yes, you’ve probably heard that before. Still not a bad idea. If you haven’t seen it, there’s a movie called “Pay It Forward“ you should see.
Q is for Quest
The quest for the perfect gift, not a bad thing. Or a parent’s quest for that one “have to have” toy. Maybe it will truly make your child’s day. . . Or maybe it’s just the latest fad they’ll grow tired of? Or maybe it’s how you behave on the quest that matters? There was a movie made in 1996 about two dads’ quests. It wasn’t highly rated but still funny – Jingle All The Way.
R is for Reward
As in something given in return for service – but then maybe it’s not really a gift is it . . .?
S is for . . .
Way too many choices again. You can start giving. You can shop for, search for, or select a gift. You can give a simple gift, a single gift, a sleigh-full of gifts, a small gift, or a sincere gift. You can be stressed about finding a gift or shamed into giving. You can be selfish and not give a gift. Or sore about not getting a gift. But, you can also give a gift by sharing, serving, or singing (like my wife). At the right time, silence is also a gift. And, you can even smile when you get that unwanted gift.
T is for teach
A wonderful way to give. “Teach a man . . .” Actually that was in one of my earlier blog posts “Sayings About Giving and Christmas” So let’s use a different one . . .
T is for today
“…Today is a gift of God, that’s why we call it the present. ” This is part of a larger quote in slightly different versions attributed to several people. We’re all given the same 24 hours each day, and given each day one at a time. So many things you can do, so many ways to spend it, so make it a good one 😉
U is for unexpected
One of the best gifts is the one that is not expected. It can be the most fun to give also. And the most appreciated. So surprise someone, even if it’s something small.
V is for volunteer
A wonderful way to give. After all, giving of your time and offering yourself in service to others, these are gifts too. Sometimes there are better things to give than money or things.
W is for “why give?”
Lots of possible answers. Maybe you gave just because you saw a need. Or you gave someone a gift because you love them. Or maybe (hopefully not) out of guilt. Sometimes, I give because I want to make a difference, or because I enjoy helping others. Actually – there’s not enough room here to give this justice. Sounds like a later blog post again. . .
X is for extra
As in “extra special gifts” (ok, I cheated a little on that one).
Y is for yourself
Occasionally give yourself a gift. It doesn’t have to be big nor expensive. Maybe the gift of a few minutes just relaxing, taking a mental break. Or a walk in nature. Or enjoying a treat or something you like to do.
Z is for . . .
Seriously? A word that begins with Z? X was hard enough. I got nothing. . . No wait.
Z is for zip/zero/zilch
As in what a scrooge gives.
I hope you enjoyed this list. Any thoughts or comments? Please let me know below.
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