A Thoughtful Gesture
Years ago, a co-worker did something that was very thoughtful at Christmas time. She invited my husband Dave and myself to join her family for Christmas dinner. She loved to host and have people over and when she held her annual Christmas party for her friends, me included, it truly was the social event of the season. You never missed her party; if you did, you missed out.
On its own, this may not seem like a big deal, but I was touched. I lost both of my parents to cancer when I was in my thirties. My dad was 63 and my mom was 68 when they passed. I had no siblings and no children and when mom went Dave wasn’t on the scene yet (thankfully, he appeared a few months later). Other than Dave, I have no immediate family members and sometimes felt that I had gotten “the short end of the stick” in the family department. I would sometimes wish that others (those who have lots of family) could understand what life was like for me, who had very little. Realistically, of course they couldn’t, and in fairness, they hadn’t walked the path I had.
So, when my friend invited us for dinner, I didn’t hesitate to say “yes.” When we arrived, her family welcomed us with open arms and we had a great time. We sat at their table, shared Christmas dinner with them and participated in their fun and entertaining gift exchange. I remember I brought home a very soft and comfy housecoat (I still have it). That Christmas was meaningful because a friend opened their home and included us. I have never forgotten it. Memories like are special and are treasured.
Fast forward to other Christmas’ at work. Over the years I had two colleagues who were my closest committed partners and we would exchange gifts at Christmas. My mom loved to give, and I did, too, and I loved treating my colleagues to something special. It was always fun to plan and surprise them.
While I don’t remember what I gave them, I remember what they gave me. One of my co-workers had a Costco membership and they always had beautiful things at Christmas. One year she gave me a gorgeous glass globe with a shiny silver horse inside of it and when you pushed a button, snow would stir up. Another year she gave me a set of three glass jars colored green, red and silver. They had string lights inside of them and they lit up beautifully at night. So festive! My other co-worker gave me an Easy Piano music book from the show Downton Abby. She knew I liked the show and was learning to play the piano. Very thoughtful! Believe it or not, I never told these ladies how touched I was by their gesture and often felt I should have shared with them how their kindness touched me. It wasn’t about getting something; it was about being included, thought of and remembered at Christmas and it made my holiday more festive. We have all moved on since then to other jobs and positions, but they left a mark and while it has been years since these events took place, I still treasure them today.
When was the last time someone included you in something?
What gesture did someone offer that you treasure?
Can you think of someone you can give a thoughtful gesture to?
Recommended Resources
- “The Power of Kindness: Understanding ‘A Thoughtful Gesture’” video by The Definition Channel (3:00) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDd2ldE8Yu8
Monthly Challenge
Think of two or three people you know that you could include and extend a thoughtful gesture to sometime this month.