Today, I’m living that promise. Some of my proudest moments are the gifts I’ve been able to give, especially to my loving parents and even the kids around me.
Gifts for Mama and Papa
I remember when, through a sort of promotion, I got a chance to purchase phones for my mama and papa, which was one of the moments I looked forward to. They were not just things; they are gifts that came with appreciation, affection, and the fruits of my hard work.
As for my papa, I bought him a phone using my money from my first withdrawal on Hive. I remember that time—his phone got damaged, and as someone who's used to having a phone, I understood that it would really be boring for him to suddenly not have one. So, I did my best to save money so that I could buy him one as soon as possible. It was such a meaningful gift because it was the beginning of something I never had before: the sign of independence. Giving him that phone wasn’t just about the material itself; rather, it was the purest way of saying thank you for being there for me all along and believing in me.
For my mama, I bought her the phone using the money from my first salary at my job right now. That gift felt monumental. It wasn’t just a phone; it was a way to say: “Thank you for everything you’ve done to get me here.” To see her smiling while opening the wrapped gift was the most priceless thing ever—a time that made all the tough grind worth it. Honestly, she’s not into phones, but I noticed recently that she's already having fun watching funny videos online either on my or my father's phone, so I immediately got her one.
Gifts for the Kids
But my giving did not stop with my parents. Probably the most special thing I have undoubtedly enjoyed is extending gifts to children, making me happy in as many ways as I only expected when I was young. Well, you know, kids' reactions while receiving gifts are the most innocent and genuine thing ever.
I even wrote the names down. They’re on that list I carry with me to make sure nobody is forgotten. Every gift that the young people received from me was carefully chosen with my best thought of what must make this specific child happy. It was as simple as when the kids slept (yes, I have a cute boy godson who slept with his gift, saying to his mom that he loves the present I gave him), ate, and even played with toys and treats. I wanted each to feel special and loved. I also wanted them to look forward to something special every Christmas season.
The joy on their faces and the giggles complete me. The happiness shown on their faces did something to me that I didn’t know I needed—to be healed.
The Joy of Giving
Reflecting on my childhood has inspired me to understand the value of thoughtfulness. While it may not always be pretty or expensive, gifts are all about putting effort and love into something for someone else. Being able to give something to my parents, to the kids, and to other people has been one of the happiest experiences of my life.
The child who barely received gifts is now the one sharing them. Giving has turned into an art of keeping alive the essence of love and gratitude every day, and especially during the holiday season.
But let us also remember that not all gifts are wrapped. A kind word, a heartfelt hug, or simply being present for someone can be just as meaningful as anything bought in a store. The spirit of giving is more than material things, it’s about showing people that they matter and that they are loved. To me, that’s the greatest gift of all.