Do you buy holiday presents for your co-workers or not? If so, what is an appropriate gift without breaking the bank? Do you give the same gift to everyone or not? Would you give your boss a more expensive gift than your closest friend at work? So many questions like these arise during this time. In previous years, I have giving a small token of my appreciation to co-workers and a more expensive gift for my boss. Now with the economy and the financial situation changing in my life, I am rethinking the holiday gift giving. Is this unnecessary, Grace?

Oh, Grace, I hope I’m making the right choice. When I am in the spirit of giving, I want to be able to give a small token of appreciation because it comes from the heart. I don’t think the price of the gift itself should matter. I think it truly is the though behind the giving and what the gift may symbolize for the person giving it. In this way, if I happen to find a small gift that means something to me, I want to buy it for my colleagues. As far as my boss, I will continue to show my appreciation for how that person manages the department.

I am fortunate to be employed in a family-friendly work environment and want to express my appreciation for its philosophy in placing children and families first. I’ll toast to that! Merlot, I’m back!

Guiding Lesson: Well, let me say “hello” to our little friend. Merlot does help you to see things a little differently.  Right, Eve?

So now let’s get back to your evaluation of gift giving in the work place. This appears to be a dilemma for some who want to give to everyone. Then there are those who just give to a select few. Finally, there are other who don’t think about gift giving to coworkers and feel just fine and don’t stress at all.

Eve, you have such a generous and grateful heart that I know you truly value the thought behind every gift. I’m glad you are re-evaluating what it means to give gifts to those at work.  It’s not fun living at the mall during this time when your boys need you and frankly is much more fulfilling spending time with them then with sales associates. So how can you continue to share your generous spirit and simplify your life.

Here are some ideas I’ve heard that some people have done:

  1. Giving a tray of cookies, a box of chocolates or hot chocolate with marshmallows and whip cream for all to share
  2. Taking the money they (coworkers) would have used on gifts and buying gifts and/or food for a family who is in need. This helps focus on the true meaning and allows people to work together on being of service and making a difference.
  3. Going out to lunch, dinner or Happy Hour where everyone pays for themselves. The focus here is on spending time with each other and sharing laughs and hopes for the coming year.
  4. Affirming coworkers by thanking them and letting them know how much you appreciate them in writing for how they helped you throughout the year.  Imagine if everyone in your office wrote one thing about you.  Would this be something you would cherish?

There are so many ideas that may reduce stress, time in a mall while showing appreciation and maybe, just maybe still have an opportunity to bring some joy to someone less fortunate.

I know that buying gifts is the obsession for today’s modern society but who says you need to live in this box. The box is meant to be unwrapped and sometimes torn apart to discover something that is much more worth while.  Has this giving you any new ideas or ways to rethink gift giving?  Any thoughts?

Grace

 

Posted by Marisol Barrios as MissGuided Mom's "Eve"

After 12 years of marriage, I found myself suddenly divorced with two sons to raise. Inspired by life's events, I decided to create "Eve" and tell her story, a story that will resonate with many women. "Eve" will take you through the good, the bad, and the ugly of marriage, motherhood, career and divorce. After numerous delicate situations, she decides to surrender her life to a higher being and welcomes her guardian angel who teaches her life lessons. Join "Eve," her guardian angel, and friends as she takes you through an unimaginable journey of self-discovery. (Pictured: Caterina Clarke as MissGuided Mom's Guardian Angel "Grace" and Marisol Barrios as MissGuided Mom's "Eve")

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