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Back when my kids were in grade school, one of my favorite holiday traditions was finding ways to surprise their teachers and let them know how much I appreciated their efforts.
One year, just before Thanksgiving break, I made each of them an apple pie. Instead of baking them, I assembled the pies, froze them and attached simple baking instructions. Every teacher received the exact same gift, but each one enjoyed it in their own way. Some baked their pie that very weekend and shared it with their family, while others saved it for their holiday meal. No matter when they baked it, the gift was enjoyed exactly as it was meant to be.
The biggest investment wasn’t the ingredients. It was the time, but I think that’s what made it so meaningful. There’s something special about receiving a gift that someone created with their own hands. Every so often, a friend surprises me with a jar of homemade jelly or a loaf of banana bread. Those gifts always feel extra special. Maybe, it’s because they’re unexpected, or it’s because they can’t simply be picked up at a store. Or maybe the old saying, “made with love,” really is true.
As we head into another holiday season, it’s time to dust off my apple slicer. Maybe, I’ll make a few pies for my family or neighbors. Who knows—maybe I’ll even surprise my delivery drivers.
The older I get, the more I realize that the best gifts aren’t always the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that say, “I was thinking about you.” And if I’m being honest, I think the joy of giving might just be the sweetest gift of all.
Find Emily Charlotte (formerly Carriveau) on Instagram and Facebook at @smalltownme or on TikTok at @emilycarriveau.
