The Joy in Giving

This holiday season I have so many new friends due to the change in schools, clubs, life experiences etc. So instead of purchasing a bunch of items to absent mindedly give away, I decided to indulge in the joy of giving.

I gave one of my friends a wrapped box of peanut butter and a card. It was not expensive and it was exactly what I wanted to give him. When I brought him the gift earlier his week, he was so surprised and appreciative. He actually gave me hug after reading the card; reason being, the card had more than just "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas" in it. Inside I expressed my genuine appreciation for the friendship I have with him. If you give the right person a card, sometimes, the card seems to write itself.

Later on, he unwraps the peanut butter and his face lights up. Now I'm sure that peanut butter was not at the top of his wish list, but the gift acknowledges that I listen to him. I remember him saying that his favorite food was peanut butter which is where I got the idea from. Long story short, he enjoyed his gift, and I (the giver), really enjoyed giving it to him.