The season of giving, right? That’s what we hear this time of year. Billboards, T.V. Ads, all across Social Media. People sharing gift ideas and asking for donations. It’s a beautiful time of the year where people actually stop and take the time to think about other people.

My favorite time of the year

I love everything about it. The boxes, the lights, the wrappings and tags. Everything that goes into giving the perfect gift. Surely Christmas time is the best part of this life? 

Everything slows down and the world contemplates the viable thought of, “Peace on earth and Goodwill towards man”, as if it may actually be a possibility.

But not everyone can get into the Christmas Spirit. For some the prospect of giving during this time feels like a massive weight. It’s not that they lack the desire to give. But they often find themselves unable to financially make it through the holiday.

And each year can be different in that regard. Some years things may be financially flush and with those additional funds you may find yourself able to send out Christmas cards and able to participate in the gift exchange at work. Other years you may be struggling to keep the lights on and to get rent paid. So, making the hard choices of taking care of you and your own may be all you can do.

Regardless of the type of year you’re having this year…

Whether you are flush with cash or struggling to pay rent, understand that your responsibility, your ONLY responsibility, is to your immediate family.

Sure, getting gifts for your friends, co-workers, and extended family can be fun at times. And if finances afford it, I see no harm in it. But beyond that, NONE of those people should be upset with you for not getting them a gift. Not even the ones who got a gift for you.

I get it. You get a gift from someone, it’s natural to want to return the spirit of giving by giving a gift back. But you shouldn’t feel bad or guilty about not being able to give a gift back. It’s not an “owed” thing. The act of giving a gift should be an act of love and appreciation, not of expectation. Understand?

Not to mention…

I’d question the sincerity of any friend, co-worker, or extended family member that actually got upset with you for not giving them a gift. Especially if they know your situation and are doing your best to take care of your immediate family members during this time of year.

‘Cause let’s face it, this time of year can be challenging. Even if your kids are little and your significant other is understanding.

THOSE are the people you need to think about and take care of during this time. You’re friends, co-workers, extended family, they should ALL be understanding of that. And if they aren’t, perhaps that is a good indication of some changes that may need to take place in your life for the New Year.

Copyright©2024 Jacob C. Larson All Rights Reserved

***Giving doesn’t mean you necessarily have to buy someone a gift! You can do things for people, acts of service, etc. in an effort to show your appreciation. Hand made gifts are great too. Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received during this time were gifts given that didn’t come from a store. 

****Your responsibility begins and ends with your children and your significant other. Everyone else comes second. And if you can’t wrap your brain around that, then that will involve discussions that go beyond simply giving gifts. 

*****Jesus is the reason for the Season. The ultimate gift given to humanity that changed the course of the World. Focus on that and the rest will take care of itself.