The Spirit of Giving

/ still a dreamer

If there is one thing that is always true it is that everything always changes. I have had holidays so filled with the presence of people, dogs (when I did rescue), and other animals, that I barely had a minute to myself. And then I’ve had quieter ones, which is where I am now.

In the New Year, I will be losing a decent chunk of my second floor, as it is going to be annexed to the adjoining house next door. I can’t say I’m happy about losing this space, but there have been some unexpected upsides. One is that I am being forced to purge and clear out a good amount of belongings and furniture.

Ultimately, that means clearing out items from every area of the house, including the basement, as I sort what I want and don’t want and find new places for the “good stuff” to go. Several large Christmas boxes have been in the basement, never opened since I moved here – no time, no full-size tree. I’ve had/have furniture that I have no deep attachment to anymore. So why do I have it? I’m used to it being there.

Drawers/closets need to be gone through and sorted to make room for what I’m keeping. But here’s the other upside. I was alerted to a small, hyper-local organization called Buy Nothing that serves only my town and the town adjacent. It is a Facebook site purely for gifting things we don’t want or need that others might use or appreciate. In addition to #gift, you can also #ask if there’s something you are looking for.

Here’s how that’s working. The ornaments were requested by a desperate family who were unable to find what had happened to their own ornaments. When they picked up the box, they left a jar of homemade candied jalapenos in its place. The sheet music was requested by a mom who, along with her husband and son, plays piano and is eager to try some of the classics. The organizer (never used) was requested by several women to help them get 2024 together. And so on.

But what’s particularly lovely is how eager our local residents are to help one another. The beautiful gnome bread above was baked just to give away to someone who would like it. Another baker had sourdough starter to offer, and was rewarded by a photo of the recipient’s first sourdough loaf ever.

This makes a quiet Christmas such a different experience. I will miss the space, but am happy to not have so many things that I no longer need or care about. I sometimes feel a little lonely this year, but I know that I am surrounded by many more caring people than I ever suspected. I believe this is the spirit of love and giving at its best.

Happy Christmas, Hanukah, or whatever holiday you celebrate. May the spirit of love and giving be yours.

10 thoughts on “The Spirit of Giving”

    • It is so heartwarming to know this kind of spirit surrounds me, especially now, but it’s here for us all year `round, too. What a great way to part with things that are still in great/perfect condition that someone else will love?.

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    • Always my pleasure! I only learned of this a few months ago, and it was right on time! But these groups are truly all over the U.S., sometimes called by a slightly different name, but the premise is always the same – a gifting, no money exchanged economy. Very cool, eh? If interested, look for one say, in Madison. It would be something like Buy Nothing, Madison Group. It may also be called Gifting with Integrity. 😊.

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  3. We have a buy nothing group, too, and now you’ve inspired me to gift some things in that group. We recently had new floors put in our master bedroom, and it took hours and hours to move everything out. I literally got sick with the amount of stuff that I have tucked away in closets and drawers. Stuff i haven’t seen in decades! I’m doing a deep purge right now. It is so freeing. Happy holidays to you, Jeanne! 🎄💚🎄

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    • Happy to inspire you. One of the more challenging things about this has been – and still is – that as an artist and photographer, this has become somewhat of a life review. Didn’t really need that right now, but I’ll be glad when it’s all done! Happy holidays to you, too!! 👩‍🎨❤️🎄

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  4. You will find new homes for the things you once loved, but don’t have a use for anymore. They will be loved again and in return you’ll have the space you need for what you want to keep. 💜

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  5. This group represents the true meaning of Christmas. We found one not too far from here that we will look into. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and will talk soon. Love, Aida and Bob

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