SITAGITA PRESENTS

‘52 ways to enrich your life in 52 weeks’ Every Monday

52 Simple and Effective ways to tune into your life one week at a time.

“There is only one real deprivation…and that is not able to give one’s gifts to those whom one loves most.”
– May Sarton

Life is a celebration. And there are many days and seasons which are festive, occasions to give and accept gifts: New Year, Christmas, Diwali, birthdays, anniversaries etc.

Gifts are the centre of celebrations. But giving presents is a talent that most of us take for granted or overlook. How many of you make a last minute dash to the shop and pick up something, without paying attention to what you are gifting? How many of you just give a gift for the sake of gifting because you have neither time nor inclination to waste time shopping?

Great gift giving is an art that all of us should be wise enough to cultivate because it is an art of expressing love and caring not only in word but also in deed. To know what a person wants, to know when and how to get it, to thoughtfully wrap it and to give it lovingly is an important way of preserving relations with the ones you care about.

Gifts don’t have to be ostentatious or costly. They don’t have to be given only on occasions. Giving a gift, maybe even a bar of chocolate, will turn an ordinary day into a celebration. And the smile that will light up the face of the receiver will turn your day into a day you can be proud of.

Response to challenge

This year, take gift giving seriously. No last minute dashes or indifferent shopping. Take pleasure in what you are buying and make shopping an adventure. You will be amazed as to how much you can find out about a loved one by just choosing the right gift for that person. Bear in mind the special interests of family and friends. Note their hobbies, personal passions, and sizes.

Make a list of birthdays, anniversaries, and other hallmarks in the lives of people you care about. Shop at a leisurely pace and spend some thought on what you buy.

Don’t forget to attach a personal note, even if it is only a few words, to say how much you appreciate that person. If you have the time and creative energy, making gifts for those you love can be emotionally satisfying and fun. Keep your eyes open for bargains and sales. You won’t find delightful, affordable gifts in shops at the eleventh hour.

Always remember, when you are gifting presents with a lot of thought and love in them, you are gifting your loved ones something even more precious – a gift of yourself.