Time and again I catch myself in the realization that life is racing me by, week after week. All of a sudden it's nearly Advent, and then Christmas. This year I had actually planned to take more time for my friends and family. For my friend who lives around the corner, and for my godmother in her care home. Whether child or adult, we often find that our meetings with others, shared experiences, and simply taking time for each other are worth far more than anything else.
Robin, the loveable Christmas drone in the Migros advertising campaign, shows us how it's done. Sure, he does his job and delivers the shopping, but he also ensures that no-one is left alone.
The ad goes like this: While out on his rounds, Robin spies an old lady in her apartment, grieving the loss of her husband. With a flash of inspiration, he puts someone else's shopping bags, containing newborns' nappies, in front of the lady's door and rings the bell. The lady is a little confused, but then picks up the bags and sets out through the snow. Just as she puts the bags down by the entrance to the neighboring house, Robin switches on his lights and alerts the family within. Mother and children welcome the old lady inside, and they spend a cozy evening in the warmth of a beautifully decorated living room. The old lady laughs for the first time for a long time, and no longer feels quite so lonely.
As an only child, I spent a lot of time alone. Drones like Robin didn't exist, but I was fortunate to spend time in the loving care of my grandfather. I was the only member of the family allowed to sit with him at his drawing board in the studio, and to use all of his pens and pencils to draw and paint. Grandpa was a graphic designer and drawing teacher. He used to sit with me to tell stories and draw for me. As he spoke, his skilled pen brought the well-known characters to life – Max and Moritz, the evil witch from Hansel and Gretel, or a wonderful snowman for the winter. To me, the atmosphere in the studio was pure magic. It was a large, wood-lined attic room stuffed with books, sketches and drawings. It smelled of pipe tobacco and ink and paper and oil paint. Best of all, of course, was the time that I got to spend with my Grandpa.
A new perspective. The gift of time
Don't we remember the meetings, the shared experiences with friends – or even strangers – much more than the material things? Other than your first Ferrari or that sparkling diamond on your finger, perhaps? But seriously – in 2021, why not just give the gift of time together? Think of the single parent who could use an extra pair of hands, someone who doesn't know many people in the area, or who has just gone through a breakup. Supply chain shortages out of China could mean slim pickings for your Christmas shopping anyway this year. It's worth thinking about things from a different angle once in a while.
«Anyone can take time or others.»
Perhaps not everyone draws as brilliantly as my grandfather, but we're all able to take time for others. To read a story aloud, for example. Try it. It's not just for children. Next time, read to your partner, or a friend, even if it's just a funny or particularly exciting passage from your current book. Tell the story well and you'll be amazed how even the grown-up audience will be transfixed.
Be open to meeting new people. Strike up a conversation with the neighbor you've known for five years but never said more than two words to as you pass on the stairs. You never know – that neighbor might become a good friend. You'll see how giving time is fun, and sharing time even more so. And it means that no-one has to be alone.
Download
As an idea for sharing time with children, why not download this story about Rubis and Stubis, two pointy-hatted gnomes from the enchanted wood? Rubis and Stubis: The First of Advent. Enjoy!