Oh boy. I’ve faced it: boxes, balls of paper, bows, ribbons, plastic bags, and random bits of packaging
If you have babies, small children or just children, and celebrate Christmas, there likely are piles of stuff all around your house. In addition to that, there may be some toys, present. Plastic things delivered to you by friends and well intended relatives for the children.
When my kids were little, the toys were always appreciated. My kids were grateful. It was nice. But my kids are like my cats, Trevor and Suki. We have bought them cat toys. But what they really love is a cardboard box. What they really love is a bit of spring string that was used to tie up a package.
Trevor really loves a ball of paper thrown across the floor.
This could be a foolsletter about learning and creativity. As part of that, I could prattle on about how open ended items like boxes and random bits of string offer more creativity, learning, potential and are ultimately more fun than the toys that were in them. I could talk about why toys are boring. But that would be boring.
Instead?
I’ll ask a different question. As you gain things, skills and experiences or as you come into contact with new people, what unintended gifts arrive?
And what happens when the packaging, the unintended gift ends up becoming more important and enduring than the intended ones?
What unintended gifts have you given this year?
We appeared to have the same reproduction schedule as another couple who used our daycare. Our daughter is 2 months older than their first born; our son is exactly one month younger than their other child. Both of our sets of children naturally made best friends with the child from the other family whole at daycare. The children have grown apart...friendly but no longer good friends. The parents, however, became an unexpected gift that our children gave us. We love them dearly. They are the siblings we didn't get. Our children gave brought us many gifts. This one was unexpected.
Gifts I have given? It's almost always connections. There's an email in my inbox box now that I haven't read. It's from an immigrant to Nova Scotia who has had a suitable job to satisfy the immigration requirements, but asked me to be a reference for a great job. I only give references for people I can rave about. That way, it's always pleasant to do so. I am expecting the email is a thank you and an announcement that she got the job. I am persuasive, I give great references. By the time I am done, the caller is a little embarrassed that they asked. Yes, Dom Perignon is very good, duh. The "duh" is silent.
I am paid to teach, but match making with opportunities is my unexpected gift to my students. These connections are the memories I hold dearest.