Christmas is a season of giving. It is the time of year when we give gifts and share our blessings to our loved ones and friends. For most people, giving gifts has been a part of their holiday tradition.
However, gift giving at Christmas is becoming more of a social ritual or an obligation than a meaningful expression of fondness. The budget looms large for the perfect gift in imperfect times. And with the onset of America’s financial predicament—uncertainty seems to have motivated some changes in holiday patterns. According to an informal survey, more than 80 percent have trimmed their Christmas budgets in some way. This has not been the best of years financially especially for the many families this Christmas who are struggling with job losses, house foreclosures, car payments, and in too many cases credit card bills from last Christmas.
Given the situation, what do we do? How do we give? Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and peace, and not a time of worry. But when you’re on a tight budget or none at all, and you have presents to buy, it’s easy to get stressed, and forget to enjoy the true meaning of the season.
If you are on the verge of missing the joy in giving simply because of the money issue…think twice! It’s not all about tangible gifts! Start focusing on what you can do like simple acts of kindness or service. Give up the notion that the best gifts are the ones that cost the most—of course not! Gift-giving isn’t just about money; it’s about giving a part of you. All you want for Christmas is really a sense of peace, contentment and freedom from worrying about what gifts to give and what you end up not receiving.
Gift-giving should be something that is pleasurable. It’s an act of love and should come from the heart. This kind of giving is such a delight when a person is grateful & generous in giving and receiving gifts. The gifts themselves are not simply the material things that you give. They can be acts of kindness, love or service. If we have such a perspective, we have experienced the real meaning of Christmas.
More than receiving gifts, let’s celebrate the simple pleasures and the fellowship of getting together with loved ones and friends…that I guess is the perfect gift we all have! (www.asianjournal.com)
(Published December 19,2008 p.sf3 NC)
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