‘Tis the season for the “What do you want for Christmas?” “Hey send me your Christmas List!” and “Have you been pinning things you want onto your Pinterest board?” comments from my closest friends and family. This is a nerve-wracking time of the year for me. Although the season is holly and jolly and merry and bright and things of that nature, I struggle with the concept of asking people I love to spend money on me.

   Flashback seven or eight years ago. My dad and I are at a store in early December. I need a winter coat and I have been eyeballing one that every girl in school was wearing. I saw it hanging there, so I walked towards it. I looked at the price tag and walked away. That price was way too expensive. That was the answer I gave my dad when he asked me why I walked away. He told me that it really wasn’t all that expensive and 10 minutes later I was walking out of the store with a brand new coat and an awful feeling in my stomach.

Of course there are things I would love to receive as a Christmas present. Lululemon leggings? Yes,please. That iPhone X would be a great thing to wake up to on Christmas morning. Would I ever actually ask for those things? Considering one pair of Lululemon leggings and an iPhone X cost over $1,000 combined, the answer is No with a capital N. That being said, creating a list of things to ask for for Christmas is about as enjoyable as pulling teeth.

Back to the parking lot of the sporting goods store, I apologized to and thanked my dad for spending the money that he did on my new coat. The reason this shopping trip stands out to me today is because of what my dad taught me on the drive home. Being aware and appreciative of the things that are given to you is a huge and hard thing to do. Sometimes we take things for granted, and hope for people to buy us amazing gifts. The fact of the matter is, not everyone in the world is lucky enough to receive presents every holiday. That being said, we should remember to genuinely thank whomever bought us a present if we are to receive one. A smile and an excited thank you can make your gift-giver feel the true spirit of the holiday.