Teresa Hirst

I have a friend who does all her Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving. Her organization impresses me, and I’ve tried to meet that goal, too. But my self-induced deadline caused me to shop for gifts based on a check-list mentality instead of taking extra time to ponder and consider what I was giving and to whom. This year, I’m adjusting my thinking toward giving from a grateful heart to those I love and not allowing the retail hustle to pressure me.

My husband is my example of a good gift giver. He knows my wants or needs before I know them. He listens in conversations to where I’m headed in the coming months and gives gifts that boost those unspoken goals that I’m still forming. His gifts nurture my potential. He sets a high standard for gift giving, but one that inspires me to similarly give to others.

Who gives good gifts in your life? How do they do it? What are some of the best gifts you have received?