I was getting out some things for Christmas this year and came across my adorable little holiday serving tray
and ceramic mugs. It was a gift from my office secret Santa several years ago. Perfect for serving cookies and hot chocolate, it has long been my favorite office gift, and something I would never have indulged in buying for myself.
It got me thinking of the other secret Santa gifts I’ve received over the years. Not all gifts were so adorable, it’s true. Like the year I received a bag full of horrible smelling bubble bath scents, or the holiday decorations that were tragically beyond my taste. There was even a year when my secret Santa’s father became very ill so she took a leave of absence. While everyone else was finding little surprises waiting on their desk from time to time, my desk was always bare. When the day of the Christmas party arrived I was the only one not to receive a gift because no one had thought about her participation (or lack thereof) when she took her leave!
But most years have been appreciated gems or trinkets and often ones I’d never considered or had no idea how much I’d enjoy. Like the beautiful silver necklace I received last year, so delicate and feminine. Or that book I was given the year before, The Hunger Games. Not my usual genre, but I really enjoyed reading it. I always love the vanilla lotions and fun bath products that have frequently found their way to me, and that picture frame from long ago is home to a photo of my family that adorns my bedside table still today.
In pondering these gifts of Christmas’ past I think how wonderful it has been to receive from people that don’t know me well and who have a unique sense of style so very different from my own, because it allows me to experience something I never have before. When we shop at the same stores, buy the same foods, clothes or brands, then choose the same colors, styles and designs, we do not venture outside what is familiar and comfortable to us.
Using this as a metaphor for our lives it’s easy to see that similarly we think the same thoughts, make the same choices, and hold the same judgments each day of our lives. We rarely change anything until something or someone comes along that offers us a gift – the gift of a different perspective.
We can only see through our own eyes, so being open to someone outside our inner circle can be a wonderful way to view the world through a new set of eyes, showing us what we may never have seen ourselves and broadening our horizons.
No, not all the gifts offered will be treasures like my little serving tray. In fact some things will not work for you at all. But some of them will, and they have the potential to bring great joy and enhance your life in a significant and meaningful way.
Take the gifts that other’s have to offer, their idea’s and thoughts, wants or dreams for we all have a unique experience and perspective. Even if it’s not obvious right away or you don’t agree with what someone else has to say, there could be a gift for you in there, if you are willing to receive it!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone! May this time of year be filled with love, life, laughter and all things good. - Kim
