Why sometimes less can be more

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … or Hanukah or any holiday on the lineup for that matter. And the defining feature of the holidays has become gift giving. And the thought, the idea of gift giving is splendid, isn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t like receiving a gift? But as I ponder such questions I ask myself – is it the gift we like, or the expression of affection, of being thought of by another?

I admit to being a sucker for a truly appropriate gift, something that shows the giver really knows me. But it’s not really about what I like so much as it’s about what I need. And I find as I grow (or grow up as some would say) I find I need less and less. Or I guess I should say – I need less things.

When I was a kid that would never have been true. The thought of new toys and clothes was enough to get my heart racing. If someone had offered to, say, donate to a charity on my behalf when I was young, I would have wept bitter tears and cursed my gift-less fate. But as I’ve gone through life, I find myself increasing surrounded by stuff, some of it useful, some not.

Now I’m not saying I’m anti-gift giving. Nor am I anti-consumerism. But I definitely think now is the perfect time to question your motives and actions rather than going out and maxing your card(s) on gifts that are just stuff and things.

I subscribe to a lovely blog called Tiny Buddha and they always drop little nuggets of wisdom in my inbox. This one arrived this week at just the perfect time, and I really like the moderate voice it uses.

Show people you care. Please do! Appreciate the people in your life who matter – shout their names from the rooftops! But before you buy that expensive thing, ask yourself:

• Am I pressuring myself to spend more than I can on a gift because I don’t want the receiver to think I don’t care?
• Could I show them I care through a thoughtful gesture instead of spending more than I reasonably should?
• Do I feel like I have to spend as much as the other person does?
• Can I drop that pressure and focus instead on giving them something meaningful that they’ll enjoy?
• Is my ego getting in the way, making it seem like spending more makes me look better?
• Can I focus on doing something good with my intentions, instead of trying to look good through my financial generosity?
• How can I provide value to a person, regardless of the financial value of my gift?
• If money is an issue, is there something I can create that they would appreciate?
• Can I get more value for my dollar by financing a shared experience (creating more joy and connection) instead of a physical product?
• Do I really think the people who love me will change their opinion of me based on how much I spend on a gift?

And really, health and happiness are what we want for ourselves and our loved ones, right? And so why not buy them a Centerspace gift card? (Shameless promotional opportunity).