Though our intention is likely pure, we can unintentionally mar the beautiful experience of giving by focusing on what we will eventually receive in return. When we let go of the notion that we deserve to receive gifts based on giving gifts, bounty can once again flow freely in and out of our lives.
When the gifts you give are laden down with expectations, they cease to be gifts and become units of exchange that you are, in effect, trading for some reward. Thus, the reciprocal laws of the universe err on the side of the giver who shares for the sake of sharing. You may have seen this simple truth at work in your own experience, perhaps when life’s busyness prevented you from spending too much time contemplating the results your charitable actions would ultimately have on the lives of others. It was likely then that you received the greatest gifts in return for your kindness. If you have trouble divesting yourself of your expectations, you may need to reflect upon the root of your inability to act in the true spirit of giving. Each time you make a gift, whether spiritual or tangible, ask yourself if there is something you hope to receive in return. You may be surprised to discover that you expect to be repaid with an easy life, financial windfalls, or opportunities.
To integrate this most selfless form of generosity into your life, you will have to let go of your need to be in control. Accepting that while like inevitably attracts like, it typically does so on an unobservable timetable. This can help you stop weighing the gifts you give against those you have received. Giving eventually becomes a profound joy that stands alone, separate from any and all conditions, and you will learn to appreciate the flow of reciprocal abundance as a gift in and of itself.

>You might be surprised to find that you can give many wonderful, original gifts by shopping around in specialty shops rather than huge, commercial establishments. Example: Last year I had a limited number of Prats printed on canvas for family and dear friends. I often use my Chef friends for special cookie trays, cookie baskets, fruit cakes or chocolate cake or pies for the dinner table. I buy inexpensive ceramic plates with Christmas themes and place the cookies in an attractive mound and use a small space for an artificial holly bouquet or silk Christmas Flower, cover it with transparent self-stick plastic and its ready and waiting. Huge fruit baskets are another welcome gift especially in homes with holiday guests or lots of children. I always have baskets so I paint them white or red or green, smaller ones perhaps in silver and gold, decorate the handles with vines or small flowers fill the baskets with chosen fruit that I buy as close to delivery date as possible, perhaps even the same morning cover with transparent plastic and huge colorful bow with a hanging ornament as an extra small gift. I have friends who show me on their tree ornaments from Christmases past. You kind of create a tradition without even trying.
If you’re handy with needles and thread you might want to sew up a bunch of baby kitten cushions for the young ones, some color combined cushions for your friend’s couch or grandma’s rocking chair, always needed and generally just in time for a fresh replacement. If you knit, a small scarf for chilly mornings for man or woman and for teenagers is a really IN thing, scarves of silk, wool, cotton, fancy and plain, trimmed or untrimmed, with or without tassels, you can’t go wrong. With jeans and skirts and pants suits and dresses, scarves of all sizes and colors are the way to go.
With so many spas around a certificate for a mud bath, a massage, a rub-down after a sweat bath might be just the perfect gift for a hard working executive or simply a flattering day away from routine for your favorite housewife.
I like to read (a lot) so books are among my number one gift item...everybody buys me books and I, in turn, buy books for my friends who enjoy reading. I always try to find interesting books or best sellers in their native languages, English, French and of course, Spanish. In Mexico it’s possible and in the states  Barnes and Noble book stores have all languages. Keep in mind personal interests buy your family and friends books you feel they really will enjoy.
One great hint is to buy Christmas gifts all year long…when you see something that you know she or he would love, don’t hesitate, buy it on the spot. In Greece, in Spain, in Italy, Soho, Tepito or Sam’s...Just grab it, write it on your list and stash it in a special for Christmas box. Next November you’ll be lighting candles for me!

Until Tomorrow: Being generous doesn’t mean spending a fortune. It means remembering to share a gift which is saying I’m so happy you’re here on earth the same time as I am...