Seattle Family Photographer | Thoughts from Behind the Lens
I love the holiday season. I love giving and receiving gifts that matter. But this time of year fuels something I tend to not love: consumerism. We can’t help it to an extent. We’re constantly bombarded
with advertisements. We always want what we don’t have. We enjoy the experience of shopping, but at the end of the day, we’re left with piles and piles of stuff. Gift exchanges with friends and family. Secret Santa and White Elephant parties with coworkers.
So often, giving becomes about the hunt or accomplishing the task at hand instead of the person we’re gifting. We lose sight of the big picture so we can try to achieve a Norman Rockwell photo. We’re programmed to seek perfection, but perhaps it’s time we simmer it down, take a deep breath, and look around at (Alert! Cliche coming!) what really matters. As I’ve mentioned before, my absolute favorite gift is time. Time cannot be bought, replaced, or returned.
I have a feeling this family is no exception, and time is what this mom and little man would ask Santa for. Dad works hard protecting our country and is gone a lot of the time. Family cuddles are few and cherished. This year, with so much tragedy and loss this country and so many others have suffered, this year, hold your families tight. Make time to look up from your phone and smile at someone you love. There is no time like the present to give a longer, tighter hug or a phone call to an elderly family member. Gift the gift of your time to another.
