As we come up to Xmas and the season of giving, we are all focusing on the gifts we are getting for others.  Once one leaves childhood behind  increasingly the focus shifts to the giving side of the equation.  This year my eldest is splurging out on her gifts as she feels this is the first time in four years she has been able to get people the gifts she wants to give.  She has invested not only huge amounts of her hard-earned cash but also a whole load of time and emotion in choosing ‘perfect’ gifts for each of us.

It is really clear to me that one of the best gifts I can give her this year is to receive her present in the spirit in which it is given.  It is about appreciating the thought, and all those non-verbal messages too.  Interestingly enough, Grace is the very best example of this art that I know.  She lights up with appreciation when you give her something. 

So this Xmas I’m going to try and learn from my daughter and give the gift of the well-received gift.

What other less obvious gifts do you think we should focus on this year?

“If you’re going to tally up things in life, tally up what others do for you, rather than what you do for others.”  Kelly Brignell