The Gift of Presence

The Gift of Presence

“Your presence will always mean more than any presents ever could.” -Lovable Quote.

In the busyness of the holidays and the self-imposed pressure of finding the “perfect” gift, take a moment to think “what would the most meaningful gift be for you to receive?”

My current fictional book selection has a conversation between an Instagram influencer who only takes promotional pictures of her boxed and ready to prepare food, and the chef that is hired to fix the meal. The chef remarks that the ultimate goal isn’t the food itself, but the process of preparing the food together, the conversations, the experience, and quality time spent with others.

Which brings my thoughts back to meaningful gifts for the holidays. Why not give the gift of presence AND support our local businesses and organizations? For example, purchase tickets to an upcoming performance at the McPherson Opera House so that you and the recipient can enjoy a special experience. Sign up you and your child for a fun class at McPherson Classical Coaching Academy. Give your friend the gift of a painting class offered by the McPherson Family YMCA, or manicures together at Integrity Salon & Spa, or Creative Hairlines Salon and Spa. Another great idea is a cooking class at The Cooks Nook or pick up a soup mix from there and invite your friends over to enjoy. How about purchasing your favorite board game from The Village Geek, or MacOpoloy from the McPherson CVB and give it to someone so that you can play together? Pick your neighbor up for a morning coffee and chat at Craft Coffee. Take your family to Bingo at the American Legion, on a treasure hunt at The Ark Antiques and Flea Market, or volunteer together at the Community Christmas Dinner. Load up the car with hot cocoa and drive through Lakeside Park, past the Community Christmas Tree and around town while singing to Christmas carols. Stop at Nooks and Crannies Floral to pick up a beautiful bouquet for grandma and then stay and play cards. Pick out the perfect book for the grandkids at Twice Told Tales so that you can read it to them over and over. You have probably thought of several ideas of your own by now.

Enjoy the magical feeling of giving the gift of your presence. Those will be the treasured gifts and will forever be meaningful to the recipient, and the giver.

-Executive Director, Debbie Hawkinson