Anonymous Gift Giving

Yesterday the doorbell rang.

Delivery!

Candidly, this is not a new thing at our house. In fact, I have joked, with a tear in my eye, that Amazon drivers should have a room in our home since they’re over here so much delivering who knows what.

But this was different! It was not Amazon, it was another one of those carriers that used to dominate all delivery services.

The box was big! It was from Wisconsin. I was hopeful it was filled with cheese, pretzels, and Brett Favre paraphernalia.

Cracking it open, I was blown away to find delicious bottles of root beer, glass mugs to match, and a few other goodies, in a packaging that was very impressive.

Smiling, I said aloud to my wife, “Wow, this is so nice! Who is this from?”

The further I got into the box, taking apart the styrofoam and searching high and low, inside and out, there was no sign of who could have sent this thoughtful gift! 

What was a moment of fun now became riddled in mystery, confusion and guessing as to who this anonymous gift giver could be.

Suddenly, the root beer wasn’t as enticing to crack open and savor, while I pondered and wracked my brain over who could have sent it.

I’m really grateful for someone sending me this gift, but without a note to attribute it to, I’m actually wondering if it’s actually meant for me, or was for the neighbor, or heaven help me, a gift someone really spent a lot of money on that I may not be able to enjoy.

It still sits, unopened, on my table, hoping that kind person reads this blog and lets me know it was them. 

This reminds me of the time I had a custom harmonica holder case made for a Speaker friend of mine who had helped me with my career.

With his logo etched on it, I was so excited for him to enjoy this cool gift, as I filled out the note that went along with it.

And then I never heard again for about a year whether he received it or not.

Eventually the gift came up in conversation as I awkwardly brought it up.

Over the phone I could hear the relief in his voice, as he had searched high and low for any ideas as to who could have sent it, even going so far as to call the company who made the gift and was unable to find out who the giver was, that he couldn’t stomach accepting the gift.

We laughed as I told him I had attached a note but it must not have been delivered, and he has thanked me multiple times ever since for the case he’s now enjoyed carrying his harmonica in for gigs.

But he couldn’t do it until he knew who gave him the gift.

Now here I sit, on the receiving end of an anonymous gift, and understand how my friend felt.

It’s not to say that anonymous giving isn’t a good thing. Especially at this time of year, it’s ok to send money, food, other needs in a Secret Santa sort of way to those in need, when done individually or collectively.

But there’s just something deep inside of us that wants to know WHO DONE IT.

Because we WANT to say Thank You.

Being a good gift giver and being a good gift receiver is possibly a challenge for all of us in one way or the other. I know I have a much easier time giving than receiving, and I need to keep working on that.

The Promise to give is high on the Promise Living hierarchy, and a subject I have written about extensively.

At this time of year, when we give and receive, may we consider the times when it’s good to give anonymously, as well as when we know the receiver will have to know who gave the gift, in order for them to not lose sleep over it.

With this in mind, and to Keep The Promise of living each day a little bit better, I decided to do something different:

I cracked open the root beer and enjoyed it! I’m thankful for the anonymous gifter. 

As you celebrate all of your religious and traditional festivities this year, I wish you the best as you choose the best gifts to give, and hope that you’ll always give as much as possible, and especially gift your unique light that only you can shine.

Happy Holidays, my friend.

Enjoy SUBSCRIBING to my NEW YouTube Channel when you’re ready to improve upon Your Leadership Promise!

~ Jason Hewlett

Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker

• Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Mentor
• World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach The Promise
• Author of “The Promise To The One”

jasonhewlett.com