The season of giving is upon us and this year my husband and I have decided to focus our finances on our family and friends, and keeping our spending limit on each other to under $15 (with an IOU to be paid at a later date). One would think that would be hard, and maybe a little sad, especially since this is our first Christmas as a married couple. Honestly, while it saddens me that I am not giving more to him this year, I am excited at taking the extra money that we would have spent on each other and putting it towards our holiday platters and gifts for our family and friends.

I love getting presents as much as the next person, but perhaps it is my long history in non-profit work and volunteering that has just instilled in my heart that happiness truly comes from the giving, and not the receiving. Giving is so much more selfish than receiving, have you ever noticed that? Think about it. In fact, think of it from the receivers point of view.

You are at work and you find a little box on your desk. You open it up to find a little crystal tulip. You LOVE tulips. It wasn't an expensive gift, but it was a thoughtful gift, and it made your day. Your day is immediately brightened, you've got a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Now switch seats with your co-worker a few cubicles down that slipped that box silently onto your desk, perhaps a friend who knows you've been having a rough week. You are now the giver and you see that your gift has truly made that woman's day a good one, and you feel amazing. You did that... all you! Your little act of kindness has put the sparkle back into someone's day, and now YOU feel on top of the world.

Now think about the holiday season that is upon us and all the children out there who have parents struggling to keep a roof over their head and food on the table, and holiday gifts are more of the necessity nature like a new coat or boots. Toys? Not this year. Maybe this isn't something you have seen in your neighborhood or in the lives of your friends and family, but I assure you, the families who resemble this are out there, and in greater numbers than you can imagine. So think about how good it felt to give that co-worker a trinket to brighten their day and apply it to this situation. Even if you don't know of a family in need of a few gifts to put under the tree this holiday there are organizations in your community with dozens of families that are in need of your thoughtfulness and giving heart. So if you have the means, drop a couple of toys in the collection bins, or sponsor a family this holiday, and make it your favorite tradition for years to come. Let it inspire you in the rest of your life and know that every gift you give makes a difference in the life of someone who needs it.

Now you tell me, is it better to give than to receive?

Learn more about this author, Kat Loughery.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Why it's better to give than receive?
We want to hear your view. Write now!