Presence not Presents
In a moment of ‘bah, humbug’ in October when I was asked what I wanted for Christmas, I said, “Nothing. I’d be delighted with that”.
Well, my husband sharply reminded me that the reason they want to give me a gift is to show me love. What’s more, I’m able to show gratitude, which is a good feeling for both of us. And, of course, who would forgo the look of sheer joy on a child’s face when they come forward with a carefully chosen or handmade present?
But with adults, when you say, “I don’t want anything”, the person hears, “There’s nothing you have to offer me”.
When considering this, I realised the thing I most desired was time with my loved ones. It needn’t be costly and could truly be greeted with, “Thank you, that’s something I’ve always wanted”. A meal out or a concert is always enjoyable but, if the budget is tight, a shared project would be appreciated.
Asking someone if they’d help sort the garden, list some stuff for sale for you or join you on a visit to a National Trust property is the sort of reciprocation many of us need. Your nearest and dearest are doing something they might normally not choose to do but are putting themselves out to please you.
And I think we’d all start 2025 feeling good if, rather than taking a pile of stuff to the Post Office after Christmas, we were left with happy memories instead.
Wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we’ll be back with our next issue in January.
EDITOR
The Go Local story
Independent & Proud
Go Local is an independent magazine and directory of truly local services for businesses and services covering Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Greetland, Stainland and Outlane.
Go Local was launched in 2005. The magazine aims to promote truly local businesses to local people – like yourself!
Local Values
“The magazine is run by me, Rachel, a local resident born and bred in Ripponden with plenty of help from our small team.
Having spent the first 15 years of my career working for large blue chip companies, I now love working locally for myself and getting away from the office politics and the rat race. I enjoy using my 25 years’ of experience helping local businesses get the right message and ad for them; service, honesty and value for money are my key principles.
Go Local isn’t part of a franchise or larger group, it’s an independent business. I love running the business as I’m naturally nosey and get to find out what’s going on locally!”