a gift-giving "ism" — all aflutter

I COME by my love for gift-giving honestly. My mom is the original over-the-top spreader of joy and through the years it just rubbed off on me. Some of my sweetest memories from childhood are of the birthday cakes that she used to crowd with tiny trinkets and toys, ever mindful of whatever theme she’d perfectly chosen for my celebration. I absolutely loved them, they made me feel so special and I couldn’t wait every year to find out what she’d surprise me with. And now I subject my boys to the same deluge of cheer, it’s just so much fun and I hope someday they have the same sense that their mama loved them sooo much that I went extra mile to make them feel extra special. I can’t help it. It’s a learned behavior.

ANOTHER of my mom’s gift-giving “isms'" is that you should never give someone a bag with nothing in it. Not a handbag, a pencil case, a coin purse, a backpack or briefcase. Any vessel she’s ever given has had a treasure inside for a double layer of surprise and delight. And so I too have adopted this sweet practice. Sometimes it’s another whole serious gift, but sometimes it’s just a sweet note, tiny felt heart, mini milagro or charm, favorite candy, worry doll, pet rock or a homemade bauble. And the unexpected surprise always brings a smile. After all, that’s what gift-giving is all about, right? So next time you choose a bag of any kind for your special people, take a few extra minutes to sneak something inside and watch the joy rise to the next level. Thanks mom for always taking the extra few minutes, especially when you didn’t have them to spare. I definitely felt the love. xo