Here's a no-cost, non-denominational, last-minute gift idea.
Reach out to people who made a positive difference in your life but with whom you have not been in touch for a while. Tell them that they were a force for good in your life. Thank them.
Be generous -- pass on this idea. Spread some joy.
@spaf You made me giggle quite a few times. That's a positive difference for us old geezers.
@spaf
That's probably a good idea if you're American.
If a British person did this everyone would probably assume they'd just had a terminal diagnosis!
@spaf *digs deep into teh memory hole only to enter a black hole...*
(seriously, I have only been f-d over all my life, and I cannot come up with anyone who's actually done me good, not anyone I've known in person, at least. Pitfalls for being autistic and not knowing it until it's too late. That said, I hold out hope for someone, or a group, who WILL do me good) (I can think of 2, who helped when I first entered HS, but it's complicated now... but perhaps I should try...) :)
@spaf
A wonderful gift, to be sure…
@spaf I’m going to start by thanking you. Spaf, you had a huge impact on my life and career during my time at Purdue. I am grateful for the mindest you instilled in me and my fellow students. You got me my first job at Sun, I didn’t even have to interview. While it’s impossible to know what could have been, I am forever grateful for the path you set me on and the experiences that followed.
@spaf I did this with a university prof I hadn't had contact in 25 years. Probably wasn't Christmas time. Reached out to him on linked in to say I distinctly recall his approach to teaching a certain subject.
@spaf A very good idea. Thanks.
@spaf that's a good humanist advice that everyone should practice.
@spaf - what a great idea!!!
@spaf I did that recently with a favorite high school teacher (happily still alive well past age 85) and it was incredibly rewarding.
@spaf @WizardOfDocs Yes yes yes yes! This is legit a life-changing practice!
Oh. Thank you @hacks4pancakes @soatok @AnarchoNinaAnalyzes @RuthMalan
Reading your words let me believe alternatives are possible. And nice, good, empathetic humans exist. And we can change things. Like a little candle of hope in the dark night? Even if it's clearly not in the easy, convenient path
@fanf42 @spaf what a lovely idea — in so many situations this past year, @fanf42 has been so inspiring and kind! And then of course I need to add @yvonnezlam and @grimalkina and.. Ok, this is hard because so many folk have inspired me with their work and insight/wisdom and generosity to others. @sigje and @indu are always on my gratitude list but I get awkward with important words, and fumble!
@RuthMalan
Awkward words are usually better than silence. Timely sincerity is almost always better than highly-polished but delayed.
Waiting for the right words and the right time may mean missing the most meaningful impact.