With the holidays in full swing, we are in the peak of gift-giving season.
We all have people that we feel obligated to give gifts to for a variety of reasons, including our connection to them, whether it be personal or professional, or to ensure their gifts are reciprocated.
There are other times when we may feel a desire to give someone a gift and wonder if it’s appropriate.
I think most gifts are appropriate as long as you are not giving your teacher cash or your boss underwear.
I like to give gifts to people and enjoy putting thought into them. There have been many times when I’ve had an urge to get someone a gift and then struggled with overthinking it and all the ways the gift could be misconstrued. I would worry that the person might think it was weird that I got them a gift. At that point, I would consider not giving a gift to avoid an awkward situation.
At many Indigenous events I have attended, there is usually a portion right at the end when people will casually stand up and speak to the group, saying how they are feeling and their gratitude for the event and people attending.
When this happens, anyone can stand up and speak, and everyone listens attentively. Every person who wants to share, gets to, no matter how long it takes.
I am very open to the fact that I was adopted and raised in a non-Indigenous home. I started finding my place in Indigenous communities in my adult years.
When I first started to witness this, I liked it, but I also knew it was very different from anything I’d experienced at other community events or dinners before. In circles I’d travelled in previously, the only people who would ever address the group would be the leaders.
It was explained to me that: “If you feel it in your heart, you should put it out there, instead of taking it home with you.”
When I was first told this, the thought of doing it made me feel uncomfortable. I admired others who did it, but felt that I could never do it myself.
Over the years, it has been something that I have embraced.
When I attend an event and feel compelled to share, I stand up and address everyone. There is something wonderful about sharing positive emotions and gratitude with those around you.
It makes sense to share it and not take it home.
When it comes to gift-giving, I do the same. If I feel it in my heart, then I do it.
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in everything else around us that we forget to follow our heart and honour the people who are important to us. This can be done with a gift, a kind gesture, or an act of service.
I know the holidays aren’t solely about gifts, and there are far more important components. Each of those components includes following your heart.
This year, the best gift I could ever receive is getting to spend time with my friends and family, something that we all missed out on last year.
charlahuber@outlook.com
