"It's the Thought that Counts"--Isn't It?

Whether we like it or not, we are entering into the biggest gift-giving season of the year. And depending on your disposition, you could be thinking one of several things:

1. I want to find the perfect gift for this important person in my life.
2. I need to find something for this important person in my life.
3. I need to find a present for this important person in my life because they are going to give me something. Probably something really good.
4. I wonder what this important person in my life is going to give me?

Truly, I don't see any of these lines of thinking as wrong. Some of us have a hard time buying gifts, and it doesn't mean we are not good people. It might mean you aren't a very good shopper, but that's ok.

And some of us like to get gifts--thank goodness! Because if the world only sought to give, we'd have no appreciative "getters," which does take quite a bit of joy out of the giving.

 I've been the recipient over and over again of special one-of-a-kind gifts that have made my heart so happy. But I've also been the recipient of gifts that I know were picked up last-minute or re-gifted from someone's closet.

And my heart was equally happy. Why?

Because the thought behind the gift matters. In fact, for me, it is most of everything. It shows me that the gift giver actually spent time thinking about what I might enjoy. Whether it's something I actually wanted or not is beside the point if they've put thought into it. Because . . . 

 . . . what is better than receiving a gift? Knowing that you are seen by someone you care about. That they actually spent time thinking about what would be meaningful to you. It's actually rather humbling, isn't it?

So as you are starting to think about gift-giving this year, spend a little more time on that "thought" part. And don't sweat the rest of it.

Fa-la-la-la-lah. Let's do this, friends. 

PS: Next week I will be sharing some most thoughtful gifts the Creative Farm Girl has to offer . . . don't miss it.