The secret of giving: joy without gratitude

Would you like to do something good for other people without expecting anything in return?

Imagine that you have been collecting ten-pound notes (or ten dollars) all year. Whenever you find one in your wallet or save some money, for example. Every time you deny yourself something or leave the car at home, for example, that adds up to quite a few notes.

Imagine that you simply consider this money as unavailable – unavailable to you, that is.

Then imagine you get some plain white envelopes. These are the things people used before email – older people will remember them (just kidding). Put one note in each envelope. Write 'Merry Christmas' or 'Good luck' on each envelope with a colourful pen. Nothing else. Put everything aside until about a week before Christmas (or a day of your choosing). Of course, you can also use fifty-pound notes if you have them.

On your chosen day, dress inconspicuously, put the envelopes in a shoulder bag and head out onto the street. In the hustle and bustle of the shopping season, people don't pay too much attention to each other, which works in your favour.

It's all about keeping your eyes open. People who are erderly and wearing clothes that have seen better days are likely to be your target group. Observation and patience are key here. Once you have spotted someone walking through the shopping centre with their head down, sneak up behind them and slip an envelope into their shopping bag or anything else you can reach.

People with children who talk constantly to them may also be part of the group you are looking for. Look at the adults' faces – they will have a certain expression showing a mixture of pain, resignation and anger at having to refuse their children's requests. The same rule applies here: slip an envelope into their bag discreetly as you pass by.

Have you understood what it's all about? Good, because this is where things start to get interesting. You can also slip a note to children who are out alone here and there. If you can't put the envelope in their pocket without being seen, you'll have to hand it to them and quickly disappear into the crowd. That's why you should wear inconspicuous clothing. This shouldn't be too difficult with elderly people.

Suitable people are not hard to find, and you're quite good at it by now. Don't let the fear that your gift might go to someone who doesn't need it put you off doing your job. Besides, the success rate is estimated at 95 per cent. It's important not to distribute all the envelopes yet, because you still have to play postman. There will certainly be several potential recipients near your home, and you can simply put the envelopes through their letterboxes.

Tired but in high spirits, you then return home. During your mission, you didn't receive any gratitude or see wide eyes full of joy, nor did you experience any other clichés. But that's exactly what you wanted to avoid – you wanted to do something good for someone else without expecting anything in return. It's a bit devious, and while you're sipping your sugary tea, you're already making plans for next year. OK, that was just a made-up story, and it's not just for Christmas. But who would ever do something like that ...?

© 'The secret of giving: joy without gratitude. This made-up story is not only appropriate at Christmas time': An article by Pressenet (translated by Izabel Comati), 08/2025. Image credit: Banknotes from different countries, CC0 (Public Domain Licence).