With Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror, many of us will now turn our focus towards buying gifts. I’m one of many adult children that live far from my family. Because of this distance, visits have become sparse, and I know less and less about their worldly possessions and interests. Consequently, buying the right gifts has become a guessing game.
Since I’m always on a strict budget, the thought of buying the wrong gifts drives me crazy. The easy solution is a gift card but these always seem so impersonal. Giving that personable gift from afar has become a challenge but it doesn't have to be.
While all of us, including our parents, love to receive gifts, don’t they always tell us how special our phone calls are to them? They’re not just making this up – these talks are more important to them than anything we can buy. And for those of us who have our own children, isn't it their gestures of love that mean the most to us?
The same is true for our friends who are caring for someone with unique needs such as Alzheimer’s, autism, or maybe a mobility difficulty. The more time these caregivers commit to their loved ones, the more their family and friends withdraw from their lives. As their social circles shrink, what they want and need the most is to know that people care about them. They don’t want some shiny object or gift card; they want someone to talk to. They want someone to stop by the house and show them that they are important.
So this holiday season, stop worrying about what present to buy, and pick up the phone and call someone who needs to hear from you. Why wait? Do it now. If they live nearby, tell them you want to stop by or take them to lunch. Don’t wait until the pressures of Christmas reduce the sincerity. Be a friend today and give the gift of love to a caregiver!
About the Author: Mike Good is founder of http://togetherinthis.com/ an online resource helping family members caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Through short, informative articles and easy-to-use tools, such as the Introductory Guide to Alzheimer’s, http://togetherinthis.com/introguide1/, he helps them take control and have peace-of-mind they are doing the right things.
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Add a Comment6 Comments
As a former caregiver, I remember the loneliness of having to pass up invitations even though I knew what I was doing was vital. And it made me even more sad to see my former husband's friends slip away. A call or even a card can be a huge boost for both the caregiver and the person receiving care and will give them new happy memories to talk about after the visit is done.
December 8, 2014 - 12:47pmThis Comment
Thanks for sharing Denise - your comment made me think about how everyday I still look forward to seeing what the post office is delivering. Funny how even in this world of social media and internet communication, I think we all still love the personal feeling of a card. And then if there's a real picture inside - bonus. The cards don't even have to be expensive because it's the thought that matters.
December 13, 2014 - 11:34amThis Comment
Good advice, Mike. A very timely and practical reminder of what matters most.
December 1, 2014 - 10:02pmThis Comment
Sometimes the best gift is to listen. Much of our aging population has become isolated so even a phone call can make a huge difference in their life.
December 2, 2014 - 9:17amThis Comment
Hello Mike,
Thank you for reminding us of the true spirit of the season and showing us ways to express our sentiments.
Regards,
December 1, 2014 - 10:18amMaryann
This Comment
The true spirit is so easily forgotten as we find ourselves hustling and bustling to find that right gift, when in fact we always have the right gift in our possession.
December 2, 2014 - 9:20amThis Comment