Glo Knows... Giving
’Tis the season to give, but what does that really mean?
Everybody gets all warm and fuzzy during the holidays. Like most people, it is my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it — from the big, bright red bows laced with green garlands to the endless strands of Christmas lights. Hell, I can hear the “fa-la-la-la-las” in my head right now. Those sounds and symbols are wonderful to help get me in the mood to spend money. But once the warm fuzzies from all the gift-giving are gone, what am I really left with? What is this season really all about?
Recognizing the true meaning of giving is probably one of the best lessons I’ve ever learned. Now, if you ask 10 people what the true meaning of giving during this time of year is, you will get 10 different answers. Some would say giving is making a big, public donation to a family or organization. Some would say it’s about donating anonymously to those in need. For me, it’s not the acknowledgment of my gift that’s important. It’s how many people are helped by my contribution.
There was a time when the holidays meant spend, spend, spend. And yet by the time Christmas arrived, I was so upset and ungrateful it wasn’t even funny. I remember looking around, thinking “How can I be depressed? I got everything I wanted.” I should know; I bought it. But did I really get everything I wanted?
It wasn’t until I began giving, really giving, of my time and talent to those in need that I realized how blessed I was without all the material gifts. When I saw the smile of a child after picking her up and giving her a hug — or the smile from that child’s father after I made his daughter smile — that’s when I knew the true meaning of giving. There was (and still is) nothing like it. That was a Christmas of true understanding for me, and that year, I loved all my gifts. There have been other times since then when I’ve experienced that type of joy — to walk up to a homeless person and give him a blanket and watch the look of suspicion turn to one of amazement ... what a gift!
I’ll be the first to tell you money is the easiest thing you can give, but it certainly isn’t the most heartfelt. Yes, money is important. And if you have it to give, then give it, but don’t stop there. If you don’t have money, give your time, your love, your talents, your shelter.
Those things are just as important. Don’t ever discount your contribution because it doesn’t have a dead president on it! If you give even one of the aforementioned items, you are no doubt giving a person what he or she needs most: your love.
I remember one Christmas my husband and I agreed we would not exchange any gifts that cost money. Instead, the gift had to be something we already had in the house. So, on December 24, when my husband went to the store, I wrapped myself in wrapping paper and slapped a bow on my chest. When his return was delayed, I had to rip the paper off because I was sweating — not attractive! Later that night, I made a card that read, “I had your Christmas gift all wrapped, but I had to open it ’cuz I couldn’t breathe!” We laughed until we cried. It was a wonderful Christmas.
I believe giving is the rent you pay for being on the planet. And just like the rent some of us pay every month to a landlord, the rent you pay during this time of year will get you some extra points from the Big Guy (or the Big Girl depending on the gender of the life force you worship), LOL.
For me, helping others is not a choice. It’s a requirement. Helping doesn’t happen just during the holiday season; it happens during all seasons. Giving is non-negotiable and is as fundamental to me as
breathing. ’Tis the season to give. But remember, it’s not how much the gift cost you; it’s how much it will cost society if you don’t give.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Denver Magazine
Issue: December 2009