I love the focus on thought rather than consumption. Buying gifts is often like eating fast food - you think you want it at the time, but afterwards all you feel is unhealthy and a little sick.
For the last few years, my family has given money to Water Aid at Christmas, and bought only small gifts for each other (books, etc.). None of us misses the gifts we didn't really need or want anyway, and instead our focus is on family, food and conversation.
pearl_mattenson
· 1 year ago
Pema- Thank you for this. Your own story coupled with the so-important message is a real heart -opener! In past years our family has prepared and served meals, delivered packaged meals to home bound elderly and donated our toys to children. My children stand a foot taller after those times. Thanks for the reminder that the time to give is NOW.
DanielleLaPorte
· 1 year ago
this is so grace-full. Really and truly inspires me. Every year we say we're going to spend Christmas working in the soup kitchen - and don't. I do some last minute gifting to a shelter, but it's just not enough. Thanks for this - it will inform our Christmas, for sure.
DanielleLaPorte
· 1 year ago
FYI - If you Google "adopt a family, Christmas," and insert your city's name at the end - you should come up with listings for this great Salvation Army program. Do it now!
winner27
· 1 year ago
Pema - This is an amazing and beautiful post. I could actually feel the heavy grief you felt that Christmas after losing your brother and the grace that came by giving what little you had. You have a wonderful family & I wish you all the best. I really love the idea of a holiday gratitude party! We'll have to try that for sure. Thank you!
Duane Daniels
· 1 year ago
What a beatiful article! Thank you Pema.
creativevoyage
· 1 year ago
Every year I organise a get together to write cards to Amnesty International Prisoners of Conscience which is a great feeling afterwards. Thanks for all the good suggestions of other ways to give though.
Green Bean
· 10 months ago
What an absolutely beautiful story. I cried, really. Thank you for sharing and for reminding us of receiving through giving
JessTrev
· 10 months ago
Wow, that was a really moving story and post. I love the idea of the holiday gratitude party. You know, I've been loving my boss today cause instead of a holiday party, she is taking all of us to the food bank with our kids and having them do a special tour for our little ones so they can better understand how to help others in need. I feel so lucky not just to have work but to work for someone like her. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Adriana Lima
· 5 months ago
Thank you for this. Your own story coupled with the so-important message is a real heart -opener! In past years our family has prepared and served meals, delivered packaged meals to home bound elderly and donated our toys to children.
All Comments
For the last few years, my family has given money to Water Aid at Christmas, and bought only small gifts for each other (books, etc.). None of us misses the gifts we didn't really need or want anyway, and instead our focus is on family, food and conversation.