"Without love in the heart, life is like a sapless tree in a barren desert~ Tirukkural 78"
Giving Thanks (in a jar)
I saw this idea - I think it was in a book called Chocolate for a Woman's Soul - I tried it out and it has an amazing effect! And this gift can be given to anyone who has given you a lot in life - a person that you are truly grateful for... Basically, you find a pretty jar in which to give your gift. Then write out 50 things that you wish to thank them for, cut each one out, fold it up and pop it in the jar.
I set out to give these to my parents for Christmas one year, So I filled up one jar with all the things I wanted to thank mum for - all the values she'd taught me, the good memories from my childhood, the encouragements she gave, anything that made me admire her. and then I did the same for Dad.
The great thing about this gift it that it gave to me too, it was amazing the long-buried childhood treasures that came back to me as I searched for things to thank them for. And in these moments I knew that it would be a special gift for them too, as they may not have remembered those little moments that made so much impact on me, or at the least, did not get to see them from my perspective.
When I gave the jars to them on Christmas day, my mum read some of hers and quickly went to tears of joy.. I could see could see how much she treasured that little jar, full of thanks from her little girl, and grown-up daughter. As for dad, well he heard the things I wrote in Mum's jar couldn't even bear to open his jar that day. He needed to wait til later so he too could shed some joyful tears in private. But I know that jar is one of his fondest treasures too.
Has anyone else tried this gift? I'd like to know what others reactions have been.
I set out to give these to my parents for Christmas one year, So I filled up one jar with all the things I wanted to thank mum for - all the values she'd taught me, the good memories from my childhood, the encouragements she gave, anything that made me admire her. and then I did the same for Dad.
The great thing about this gift it that it gave to me too, it was amazing the long-buried childhood treasures that came back to me as I searched for things to thank them for. And in these moments I knew that it would be a special gift for them too, as they may not have remembered those little moments that made so much impact on me, or at the least, did not get to see them from my perspective.
When I gave the jars to them on Christmas day, my mum read some of hers and quickly went to tears of joy.. I could see could see how much she treasured that little jar, full of thanks from her little girl, and grown-up daughter. As for dad, well he heard the things I wrote in Mum's jar couldn't even bear to open his jar that day. He needed to wait til later so he too could shed some joyful tears in private. But I know that jar is one of his fondest treasures too.
Has anyone else tried this gift? I'd like to know what others reactions have been.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by inspiredreams on -
I absolutely love this idea. When my husband and I lived in Missouri, we attended and served in various capacities at our local church. After five years my husband was transferred to another state and before we left, we were given a beautiful pitcher and inside were "treasured" thoughts and wishes from the many friends we made. The pitcher is on my hutch in the dining room, and a number of years have passed, but I occasionally reach my hand into the pitcher and bring out the many wonderful comments about our lives with so many wonderful people there. It encourages and uplifts my spirit.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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I love this gift. My mom turns 50 in a couple weeks and this would be PERFECT. Thanks for sharing!
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Permalink Reply by Gabriella on -
my mom turns 60 in March, this could be expanded to have her friends and family send in comments to fill enough for her to draw from for a year! maybe that could work for your mom, too :)
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Permalink Reply by Patt Mosier on
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I love this idea! What a wonderful give. I am going to use this for christmas presents this year. I wanted to be able to give gifts with meaning instead of something that will sit on a shelf or get lost in a drawer. Thank you so much. Bless you, Patt
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Permalink Reply by Sheri on -
Do you think this would work for someone you haven't known for a long time but have gotten close to like a new friend?
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Permalink Reply by the_emster on -
Hi Shen,
I think so, everyone likes to relive the fun memories they've shared together - maybe you could call it a Fun Jar or a Magic Moments Jar or something.
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Permalink Reply by Gabriella on
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Hi, new to the community and just saw this idea yesterday or the day before, and I LOVE IT. So thoughtful and such a great gift idea that doesn't cost a thing. Thanks you for sharing :). Definitely going to do these for my parents and two sisters for Christmas! Oh and my grandmother, too!
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Permalink Reply by Lynda Whitfield on -
What a wonderful idea...!!!! A beautiful way to reach out to those you care about.
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Permalink Reply by Deb~ Community Manager on -
I have since done this and enjoy it so much!
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