It's truly time for giving
Giving does not have to involve a purchase
By Tim Wilson
The season of giving his here. Typically, that translates into the season of spending.
Despite a common complaint that holidays have been commercialized, whether it’s done for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or any other holiday, buying a gift doesn’t mean the giver is missing the true spirit of the season. The trouble I see with the “season of spending” is that many folks – whether they want to or feel obliged to – go more than a little overboard, often to their detriment.
At the end of the year, it seems some of the same people who watch their budget carefully the rest of the year end up digging deep into their back account or going perilously close to their credit limit. These splurges are well-intentioned, and the gifts are generally well-received and appreciated. That’s wonderful, but the aftermath can be problematic and may detract from the joy of the season.
Now there’s nothing wrong with sacrificing a little to give a gift that shows you care. But we need to remember three things. First, nobody who cares about you the way you care about them expects you to fracture your finances to get a gift. Second, it’s not about the price tag. It truly is the thought that counts. Third – and this is the one that gets forgotten – giving does not have to involve a purchase.
The greatest treasure we can share while simultaneously demonstrating we care is our time. Sure, there are plenty of people who have enough money to buy any gift without a problem. But when it comes to time, while we may each have different budgets of time available right now, none of us know the balance remaining in that account. We can’t tap into a time equity line or take out a loan for more time to spend in the future. There is no time overdraft protection. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
This is what makes giving of our time as a gift so precious. There is nothing more valuable. You can tailor it to each individual and there is no such thing as the wrong size or color of time. And the gift of time can be customized for the recipient.
If you give it some thought, you can probably come up with an ideal gift of time for anyone. Start small with a simple stocking stuffer. You know those signs that say call your Mom? Do it!
Your kids may love unwrapping presents but what will really thrill them is you saying yes to their next request to play a board game, go skating, watch their favorite movie for the tenth time or whatever way they love spending time with you. Sure, they’ll still expect a gift to unwrap and you’ll find a way to grant that wish. But they will remember that special time with you long after the toy breaks or they outgrow it.
Take the same approach with your spouse or significant other. Knock off a few items on the honey-do list without being asked and you’ll surprise and delight. No matter how many interests you share, there is bound to be a pastime that makes one happy and the other cringe. Even if it involves buying a ticket to a show or a game, a craft fair or festival, the true gift you give them is being present for something that gives them joy even if it’s not your cup of tea.
Want a tip on how to spend just a little time and make a big impression with a gift to someone near or far? Take a few minutes to include a handwritten letter or note to someone in a card and mail it, even if you see the recipient every day. This simple gesture says more than a text or email ever could. You might include a check or gift card with the letter but taking the time to sit down and write a heartfelt message will be more memorable than anything they can buy.
When you think about it, when you give a gift of your time, it’s not the seconds, minutes, hours or days that are important – it’s you. When you give the gift of time, you are truly giving of yourself.
About the author: Tim Wilson is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. He is passionate about his family, Marquette University, bicycling and all Boston sports.