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Welcome to the blog of Connor Boyack, a 20-something web designer, political economist, and budding philanthropist.
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What Do You Get For the Person Who Has Everything?

Posted by Connor on December 25th, 2008

photo credit: Kitty Cats…

Each year, creative marketers brainstorm various methods they can use to convince people to buy their latest gadgets, apparel, and miscellaneous merchandise during the holiday season. With new movies, new versions of software, updated electronic gadgets, and the latest fashions all vying for our attention, there comes (at least for some) a saturation point at which one says “enough is enough”. Hitting this wall and not desiring any more “stuff”, those desirous to continue giving gifts to such people are left perplexed, wondering “what do you get for the person who has everything?”

Suggestions abound and usually lead to the acquisition of some niche item not before seen, or some kind gesture of affection, or to the generic offering of a gift certificate. But while almost any gift conveys a message of friendship and love, the constant exchange of tangible items should lead us to ponder if the person who “has everything” truly does have all he needs.

It is at this juncture in life that it becomes important to determine how much importance we are placing on the supreme gift—that of God’s Son in atonement for our sins. Regardless of how much clutter we may accumulate over the years, the treasure that “moth nor rust doth corrupt” has always been and will always be the perfect gift to receive and use.

Elder Maxwell perhaps said it best:

God’s gifts, unlike seasonal gifts, are eternal and unperishable, constituting a continuing Christmas which is never over! These infinite gifts are made possible by the infinite atonement. (Neal A. Maxwell, via Quoty)

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3 comments so far. Care to chime in?

I wonder if many parents would change the nature of the gift-giving traditions if the scripture, instead of referring to moth and rust, referred to children.

Admittedly, my house has lots of clutter. But there are really only two items I own over which I could credibly be accused of materialism. I get very nervous when my children play too close to them. But the other day I was weighing the loss of these items due to my children’s actions when this scripture came to my mind.

At that time I resolved to enjoy what I have while I have them. But I would always keep in mind that eventually, time will make a meal of all of it.

#1 Carborendum | December 26th, 2008 9:52 AM

There was a year when we had all we wanted of what we could afford. That year I gave my daughters a private party with dance instructions provided by a couple from our church.

We also invited a girl (who was as poor as we were) to spend the night and we stayed up all night making presents for her family. It was so much fun to watch her make gifts for her mom and brother and we all went to bed happy and content after taking her home the next day. It was one of our favorite Christmas celebrations ever.

You can’t really buy Christmas; it dwells in your heart and everyone could use a little more love.

#2 Janet | December 26th, 2008 8:36 PM

Amen.

#3 Misi | December 31st, 2008 9:28 PM

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