I simply love giving gifts!

I make my lists and check them more than twice. I try to think of what the recipient might want or need and what I can afford to give, hoping there’s a good match somewhere in that mix. It takes a little time but I don’t mind.

Shopping becomes an adventure as I compare prices, sales and special offers. I try to shop early and local as much as possible, but sometimes its more convenient to order online. Wrapping the gifts I purchase is one of my favorite holiday activities. I like to be creative with each gift. It takes a little time, but I don’t mind.

I make gingerbread houses every year with my grandchildren and that is also a gift they love. I watch as each year they become more elaborate and detailed. We play music while we work and we often end up laughing at the amount of candy a gingerbread house can really hold. It takes a lot of time, but I don’t mind.

Finding the right cards to send to each person on my list is also part of the gift giving season. This year I created many of my own by drawing and painting them. A few turned out really well and the rest were just a labor of love. It took a ton of time but I didn’t mind.

I bake cookies every year and give them as gifts. They seem to be a favorite with everyone. Many recipes are generations old, like my Italian grandma’s, my mom’s and my mother-in-law’s. They definitely take time but I don’t mind.

The Gift of Time

Time is an equalized commodity. We are all given the same amount as we plan our days, weeks, months and years. We start with 24 hours each day and go from there, yet we so often can’t find enough of it.

“I never have enough time.”

“There’s not enough time in a day.”

“Time flies.”

“The hours just got away from me.”

“I lost track of time.”

“What time is it anyway?”

I have one to add to this list.

“Time is precious, use it wisely.”

As this year winds down into the next one, I’m thinking more about how I use my time.  I’m thinking about how many hours I have left as opposed to how many I’ve already used.  I’m thinking about how to make those hours count for something more than myself.

I came to the conclusion that I want to give the gift of time until my portion is depleted. I don’t know when that is, but I plan to use it wisely. How about you?

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!