by Mike Davis, Ph.D.
Head of School

Still working on that last minute gift list? If you’re having a hard time figuring out what to get a loved one this holiday season, I have two ideas.  Sure, those beautiful wrapped packages are a delight, but maybe we should all think about how we spread some holiday cheer and do a little good in the process. 

 

One suggestion comes from a great NPR piece by Juli Fraga. Her idea is to “consider giving presence instead of presents.”   She cites psychological research that “suggests that small acts of kindness, not grand overture, make people feel most loved and supported.” This falls into line with so much of CA’s work with mindfulness.  Being present in the lives of others is truly a gift in this distracted society. My favorite gifts from my children haven’t been material, but when they have given me “a day of climbing with Maggi” or “one ski day with Eliza.”  My kids know I love the outdoors, and I most love being with them.  While it can be tempting to sit around during the break in front of a screen, I would urge parents, siblings, and family members to take advantage of their time with each other.

 

My other suggestion comes from CA’s former Board Chair Heather Miller. Every year, she and her husband go to a retail store and find out what toy gifts are being held on “lay-away.” Instead of giving toys to people who might already have so much in their lives, they find families and anonymously underwrite toys for their children. I did this last year. I went to the customer service at a retail store, asked about any families that have some items for young children that they couldn’t pay for, and went ahead and bought them. To be sure, I have no real idea if the family is truly “needy,” but what I do know is that the there is a strong likelihood that such a gesture provided joy to a child and made a difference in the lives a family that might be really stretched financially this time of year.

 

No matter how you choose to share and celebrate your holidays, I wish all of you a festive holiday season and a year ahead filled with good health, learning, and growth.