I know my mom gave us the best of what she could when we were young. Sure, there were things my friends got for Christmas and birthdays that we didn’t get, but even back then, I knew that wasn’t important.
While my friends got things like Atari games or Easy Bake Ovens and other trendy toys of the season, I loved the art supplies and books I received. Sure, there was some envy, but I also knew I’d probably never play with those other things. They didn’t interest me. The books I read, I read over and over in some cases. The art supplies I used until they were worn down to nubs.
These were thoughtful gifts. Gifts that had meaning more than just being lucky enough to snag the hot gift list items.
Maybe this is why I have such a difficult time with gift giving. I want to find “the perfect gift”, the one that has meaning.
Even when my boys were little, I never felt satisfied just getting the hot new toy. I was certainly able to, but it just felt empty. It was the easy way out.
Gift giving, to me, is about knowing someone, and finding that special thing that will put a real smile on their face whether it cost $5 or $100. It’s not about the status of the gift, but the meaning.
Time is one of the most precious gifts we have to offer.
I love to take a friend out for a special meal at their favorite restaurant and spending time catching up more than just wrapping up a random something and giving it to them.
As I got older and was able to afford more or better, that “more” was reserved for others. I could “make do” with what I had. I didn’t need the best clothes or the best food, or the best anything.
Learning to give myself the best of anything was difficult. After all, I had to save: for retirement, for a rainy day, for others’ needs. So I settled for off brands and second choices when it came to buying things for myself. Trendy name brands didn’t mean much to me. At least that’s what I told myself.
Over time I learned that I deserved the best too. Right now I enjoy coloring to relax. I get high-end coloring books with smooth paper and artist quality pencils and markers to color with. Is it necessary? Probably not. Does it make the process more enjoyable? Sure. Do I deserve it? Absolutely!
It was not an easy hurdle to overcome. I grew up in a frugal household. We didn’t have a lot, but we weren’t poor. We appreciated everything we had. We didn’t waste.
I’ve learned to accept more. Not that I’m entitled to it, but if I can give an expensive gift to someone else, I can certainly give one to myself.