With the holiday season right around the corner, the temptation
to overspend exists. For some reason we feel a responsibility to
extend ourselves financially to accommodate the holiday gift lists we receive from friends and family.
At a time when many of us have personally felt the pressures of
these tough economic times, it strikes me as the right time to
revisit the gift wish list model and rethink the process.
Perhaps because I grew up in an immigrant household where holiday
gifts and wish lists were considered undermining the fundamental
purpose of the holidays, I never understood the idea of asking for
and receiving specific gifts. To me, the gift list resembles a
grocery store list and doesn't include any of the surprise,
spiritual uplift, or thoughtfulness I associate with a gift.
It's time to change the gift giving wish list model by focusing
on the emotion and feeling associated with a gift, rather than the
"perfect present."
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Step 1: Throw away the gift wish list.
Step 2: Replace the gift list with an
emotion/feeling list. In other words, the giftor receives from the
giftee a list of emotions/feelings they associate with the holidays
and/or which are important to them, for example: Love, care,
attention, passion, respect, tradition, etc.
Step 3: The gifter can either make or find or
purchase a gift which is germane to the emotions highlighted in the
list. For example, Jade gives Judah her emotions list which
includes "surprised, peaceful, and raw." Judah finds Jade
a weekend getaway in Upstate New York where she can pick apples
(which she loves to do because she is a pastry chef) in the
beautiful apple orchards and spend time with her mom.
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Step 4: The gifter hand writes a card with a minimum of 50
words. The card must explain the gift and its association to the
feelings listed:
Dear Jade,
I thought you would enjoy the Upstate New York Apple Orchard
Getaway so you can spend time with your mom. Escape the city for a
few days to recharge your battery and bring back delicious apples
for the amazing apple pie you love to bake. You know how much we
all love the pies.
Love,
Judah
Step 5: Whenever possible, hand deliver the gift
along with a hug.
Step 6: Within a couple days of receipt of the
gift, the giftee must write a thank you note which summarizes how
the gifter has touched the giftee's life and appreciation for
the gift received.
Judah,
Thank you so very much for the weekend getaway. My mom and I had a
great time together. Rest assured I will stop by your office with a
fresh baked apple pie for you to share with your co-workers. The
amazing weekend brought back fun memories we shared this year.
Thank you again,
Jade
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Step 7: Repeat
I imagine there could be some resistance to the notion gift giving
isn't as much about finding the perfect gift but rather about
finding a gift that shares an emotional connection between people.
It will take some practice, but, trust me, selecting a gift with
emotional parameters will certainly show your appreciation and
understanding of the person you are giving it to.
Shine,
Idan
In recent articles this year, The Wall Street Journal and Sports Illustrated referred to Idan Ravin as the "Hoops Whisperer" because of his unique ability to engage, inspire and challenge the many NBA players he trains. Idan has worked with many of the NBA's elite, including Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets), Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards), Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Elton Brand (Philadelphia 76ers), Jason Richardson (Phoenix Suns) and Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies).
Visit StyleCaster for more tips on surviving this holiday season:
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