By Annemarie Eveland 

Photos courtesy of D.J. Craig

I stood outside and gazed upward at the dark night skies with their inky black curtain with cutouts of silver-spun stars jutting across the horizon. I was mesmerized by the magic of the moment. Star-studded, scintillating, and coruscating — a view that took my breath away. Nature gives us free gifts to enjoy the great outdoors. It also reminds me of our “gift giving” during this holiday season and what free gifts we could give each other.

Many of us wonder what to buy someone we care about. I recommend gifts that keep on giving your messages of caring, love, friendship, and worthwhileness beyond the holidays. Something that comes from your heart, not just your wallet.

I received such gifts when I recently lost my best buddy of sixteen years. Some say a dog is different than losing a mate, but the depth of longing and genuine sadness feels the same. Personal gifts I have received in my time of grieving were heartfelt. One friend framed a picture of my best buddy (yes, his name was “Buddy”) and myself from an article I wrote about Yellowstone.

Another dear neighbor brought a picture of him and on the frame with this message: “Thanks for everything. I had a wonderful time!” And there were sympathy cards sent by other dear friends that expressed their support and caring. I felt the love from them dart deep into my heart.

  Another incredible moment was when I opened a delivered package a few days ago — I was speechless! Inside were two canvas prints of my little Pine Buddy. One, where he was in full dress as a service dog and another one, that took my breath away, was a close-up of his face with soulful eyes peering out at me from his bundled-up cushy blanket. It was this gift that brought him back to life! His soulful eyes easily found the center of my heart and eased some of my pain. In the sixteen years of our bonded relationship, we were rarely separated. He went everywhere with me. I was most grateful to have many gifts of sharing with him.  Who but our faithful “fur kid” would tolerate, at Christmas time, being dressed up in a Santa hat, tuxedo, and jingle bells to be photographed on my lap? We loved the outdoors and camping and romping in the meadows. My life was truly blessed because of his devotion.

As I think back on my life, the most treasured gifts I have received are gifts of the heart — experiences I have had with people that shared their caring and kindness. 

I encourage each of us to spend some time each day reflecting on the gifts of gratitude we experience each day. As we focus on what we appreciate, the gratitude we notice will begin to multiply. It gives us gifts of lasting happiness and comfort recalling those gifts we received and the gifts we gave as we venture through our days.

One year I was strapped financially, not knowing if I could make my expenses. I trudged to the mailbox feeling I would get more bills, but to my surprise, there was an envelope without any return address. Inside was $50 cash. To this day I do not know who did that act of kindness, but I suspect everyone! 

I was wondering what gift I could give my family members and friends this year. Buying stuff just didn’t make my heart and my pocketbook happy. So I have come up with this — your best personal gift is YOU! And here is the gift wrapping: think of what your receiver could use that you can give of your time, energy, and skills. Perhaps it is a handmade “GOOD-FER” card to watch the baby on a weekend while the parents take a little reprieve. Perhaps you are an artist that could share your talent in teaching someone about watercolors or oil painting. How about fix-its around their home — if that’s your line of work. 

Are you musical? Write and play them a new song. You could write them a poem about what you appreciate about them. Free consultation if you are a legal advisor. Tune up their car if you are a mechanic. Personal trainer? Give them a boost on a healthy exercise regime. Nurse? Some hints on keeping the immune system up and running fine. Let’s not dismiss, simply coming over to their home and helping clean it up before or after the holidays! If you bake or cook, you’re lucky, as we all love homemade eateries. Firefighter? Give a good personal checklist for making their home safe. One of my friends is in the Plumbing service and made a thorough inspection of a home as his “Good-Fer” holiday gift. If you’re a senior with time on your hands, transport an elderly person a few times if they have no vehicle. One cosmetologist friend gifted a free consultation on makeup redo for her gal friend. One friend is reading a novel to a very elderly senior as they are blind. What a gift of sight it is to the blind person! Another friend is gifting her mom with glittery bling-style nail polish.

I think you have a general idea. No matter what you think is insignificant as a skill, personal talent, or natural aptitude of yours, someone will greatly appreciate. (And besides, you can always make it transferrable if they would like to regift it.)

I always feel “gifted” by nature, just walking around Green Valley Lake. I can count on cheerful folks and their devoted pets making the rounds who enjoy greeting with a “howdy” along the way. These days I can easily get my “doggie fix” by walking the lake or, further out, hiking the trails like “The Boulders.” There are usually dogs of assorted colors, shapes, personalities, and purposes that bring their owners to walk with them! 

More often these days, I am content with the natural beauty around Payson, revealing richly and rewarding sharings during each day. I feel blessed to live in our stunning Rim Country, by a beautiful lake, and in a community that is kind and caring.