The Perfect Christmas Gift

December 7, 2022

Remember the gigantic Sears Christmas catalog that used to arrive at your house? Aptly named the Wish Book, it was filled with pages upon pages of everything your heart desired. Toys, games, clothes, household appliances, garage gismos….and just plain ole gadgets.

You name it, it was probably in there.

The original Sears Wish Book is no more. The catalog has been replaced by the general act of typing the item you desire into a search engine. More often than not, it is Mr. Google who will tell you where you can order it online. After punching in your VISA number to pay, it is then unceremoniously delivered right to your door in record time.

How perfect is that?

Maybe it isn't so perfect. Maybe it is another way that the joy of the season is getting sucked out of the grand event. In my humble opinion, it feels kinda bah-humbug shopping that way.

You?

How can one re-discover the wonder of the season?

I know that for some people, Christmas carries a more religious meaning than just gift-giving. I get that. This blog isn't meant to lessen that.

There is a magic to this time of the year that has been dwindling, however.

I have fond memories of sitting with a special young girl to me as she flipped through the Wish Book. At the age I am recalling, it was all things Barbie for her. There were many pages of Barbies and Barbie accessories. I would ask her what she wanted for Christmas. There was delight in her eyes as she circled the picture of the item she wanted. She did not notice that every item was circled on most of the Barbie pages! She was so caught up in the moment. I remember this fondly like it was yesterday. It was, in fact, close to 20 years ago.

She would receive one of the things that she had circled as a gift from me. My main gift came as a simple envelope carrying a homemade certificate from me. It was what came to be known as an infamous Dawny B “to-do” gift. This was a slot of time in the new year when we would do some sort of designated activity while spending time together.

Over the years, there were movie tickets after a fancy going-out supper, dog sledding, rafting, bungee jumping, hiking, travelling, concerts, and other unique slices of time. I found it a satisfying challenge to ensure the proposed activity was different and fun.

The Barbie bus has long been tossed. It is my hope that my gift of time through experience has carried more meaning for her as life has moved forward.

I would highly suggest giving gifts of time and memories in lieu of material items.

What else could this look like through the Christmas season for the people you want to gift to?

1. Spending some time creating a gingerbread house.

2. Baking Christmas treats together.

3. Going to the stores and browsing together. There is joy in the process while spending time.

4. Picking a time to meet for tea, lunch, supper, a movie, or even a real live phone call.

5. Write out real notes of appreciation and either mail them or hand deliver them.

6. Have people over for a game night of fun and laughs.

7. Craft days or evenings. Create something fun together!

What became very apparent to me over the years was that it was not the dollar amount spent that was important but rather the time together and the experience of the moment. It is for that reason that I think to-do gifts are meaningful and are a great idea to consider.

Because really, it's not about the gifts. It’s about connecting with those around you. In the broader scope, it doesn’t have to be just Christmas. This to-do gift idea can also be spilled over into birthdays.

Come to think of it, a lot of the above idea list could be used at any time of the year, not just December or birth months.

As cheesy as it sounds, the most important gifts are indeed time and connection.

Why don't we do more of that sort of gift giving? As a bonus, making memories is timeless and doesn't go out of style nor break.

Give it a go and tell me how it turns out!