When it comes to a season of gifting, we cannot help but remember the other side of that coin.

The yin to the yang of giving, is of course, receiving. I know for me, when I think about the most meaningful offerings anyone can gift in my direction, it is always presence and time given from the heart of the people I love - touch or a song, music played, a kind note, a homemade meal or a thoughtful call, a walk in the park or a hand drawn picture, a read book underlined because a verse brought me to mind. In light of knowing what I most like to receive, I too can give of myself to the people I love. Most vulnerable and authentically, I've written poems for my friends and family. I know we all have gifts inside us. I asked a few of my colleagues to share some ideas of theirs in hopes that we all might remember how meaningful it is to give and receive home-made and from the heart.

My son gifted me a painting of my home a couple of years ago that he painted. I thought it was so thoughtful. It was one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received. I have it hanging in my bedroom and think of him every time I see it. - Jennifer Hadfield, Property Consultant

My favourite is to gift loved ones a shared experience, something we can do together, another memory created as a pose to another physical thing. - Lala Weiss, Director of Transformation 

When I lived in Orem, we were gifted tickets to the Orem Hale Center Theater for a couple of years. So along with enjoying beautiful shows put on by talented community creatives, it felt amazing knowing that this gift wasn't just a thing that had been purchased, it had supported a local business with so much history in the community. - Michaela Lyon, Design Assistant

For me, the best gifts are the thoughtful and intentional ones - making someone's favorite meal, asking them on a hike or to a place where you've made beautiful memories. Give them a card with a map to meet you somewhere special on a specific day. Inviting someone to join you in something that you love doing together; I got my dad and I dance lessons one year because we both love to boogie. - Rachael Leprey, Property Consultant

I like to give gifts that connect people with the earth, and the plants, and their own vitality - feeling good in their own bodies. Making people herbal tea blends, tinctures, and body care products that I get to infuse with my love and intentions...that's the good goods to me. - Corigan Kushma, Property Consultant

"When you die, only three things will remain of you... what you have taught to others, what you have created with your hands, and how much love you have spread. So learn more and more in order to teach wise, long-lasting values. Work to leave the world things of great beauty. And love, love, love people around you for the light of love heals everything." -- Francois Bourillon