I began substituting activities for gifts on family holidays a few years ago. This doesn’t apply to my grandchildren, of course, but my sons and daughters-in-law are able to buy what they need when they need it and are also able to save up for the ‘wants’ they would like. They don’t live nearby, so birthdays or anniversaries get the activity of meal delivery or surprise cookies/brownies/fruit trays. When we do get together, I make sure to have a special occasion: fancy dinner they wouldn’t normally splurge on, musical dinner-theater I know we all would enjoy, or even a horse show! We make good memories and have good conversations as we spend time together in social interaction. It’s a completely different experience seeing them a couple of times a year in person than our monthly (or so) obligatory phone calls. I hear more than ‘work is going well.’ I hear about the real experiences and challenges they face. I hear more than ‘yes, grandchild is fine’. I hear about the inconvenience of school and bureaucracy mandates. I learn more about successes and failures by having face-to-face conversations with my family.
When I get together with friends I don’t see on a regular basis, there is always an awkward moment on ‘what do we talk about?’ There will eventually be some topic of interest and knowledge to us all, even if most of us won’t be trading in a car anytime soon, going on a solo road trip to Ohio, or figuring out what to serve 30 teens for a Youth Group activity. We share ideas and options and make suggestions based on experiences as we spend time together. It certainly makes burdens a little lighter, knowing that everyone can give their two cents and you can benefit from their wisdom.
The annual NonStop TBC and various RUG meetings are much the same. We see people we’ve talked to on the phone, email or Zoom call, but we have a lot more to share with each other in person! In the big picture, those limited settings and short periods of time spent with a knowledgeable Customer/Partner/HPE make a huge difference for all participating. Topics abound when NonStop users are actively together! Ideas are shared, options for day-to-day challenges are expressed, and interactions reduce questions and enhance solutions for all involved! There is no guesswork when participants speak directly in a relaxed setting to those who can provide information. I love that there are many ‘napkin moments’ – creatively unfolding issues for maximum results.
On behalf of the NonStop Partners, I thank our worldwide NonStop Community and Connect for the many RUGs and TBC activities working together in 2024 to bring us priceless moments. I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season and look forward to seeing you somewhere in 2025 for more NonStop Fun!
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