Last minute shopping
December 19, 2005
By Cam Tait
If you're like me, every year at this time - funny how that happens - you don't have any shopping done. Zippo. Nothing. The mere thought of going to the nearest mall and standing in line for half an hour, only to discover what you want is out of stock, is about as exciting as a visit to the dentist. But hark! Don't despair. I may have a suggestion. My fee: a small contribution to your favourite charity.
First, think of someone you haven't seen or even thought about for a while, perhaps even years; someone who had a big impact on your life. Maybe it's someone who encouraged you to follow your dream. Or maybe someone who taught you something you do everyday but really don't think about, yet without it your day would seem empty and you'd feel there was something missing.
Need a little prodding? Hey, that's what I'm here for. Maybe it's someone who always reminds you of December: a hockey coach; a figure skating instructor; someone you went skiing with once and had the time of your life; a music teacher who inspired you to audition for a part in the Christmas concert - something you really didn't want to do, but when you did, you found a hidden talent; the only date you had on a sleigh ride and even though the weather was absolutely frightful, they made it warm and fuzzy; the neighbour down the street who bought a new snow blower one year and just started blowing snow off your driveway...and then made it a routine gesture; or, you fill in the blank.
Maybe you can think of someone who is getting on in years and might not get much company over the holidays. Or what about someone who you were really fond of, but somewhere along the line, there was a disagreement when someone said something and, all of a sudden, your friendship ended. You've wanted to pick up the telephone to make a call, or stop by their home with a gift, but it just didn't feel right. So, you have to ask yourself, 'What will it take?' and 'When is the right time?' Only you can answer that. But since this is a time of giving...
I am ending the year with so many great memories and so many new experiences. Most importantly, though, I have been able to listen to what people have to say. One of the lessons I cherish the most was from a good friend who attended a staff reunion at the radio station his father managed. He was sharing the experiences of the reunion when he said something very profound: "I learned how great my Dad treated people."
We can buy the biggest and best gift and wrap it in the most colorful wrapping paper. We can send cards and best wishes to all our friends. And those are wonderful gestures. But saying hello or just dropping by out of the blue can be one of the most precious gifts we can share with one another - especially when you can start the conversation or end it with two words; two words that aren't spoken every day, but when they are they reflect the time of season and perhaps the warmest greeting we can give one another: Merry Christmas.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter and columnist for the Edmonton Journal. He covered community investments and volunteers for 19 years. E-mail Cam at cam@charityvillage.com with thoughts, suggestions or ideas.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
