The Christmas Gifts

They say the best things in life are free. If this is true, then why is this time of the year so stressful? I've heard more than one person comment recently that "Christmas is over-rated" and I'm beginning to agree with them. Not that the reason for the season should be ignored, but the financial burden this time of year brings can be overwhelming. How many people buy gifts out of obligation rather than from the goodness of their hearts? How many people go into massive debt just because of this holiday? It seems that this special time of year brings special challenges and I really don't think this is how it was meant to be.

What if everyone who celebrated Christmas chose to start a new tradition? Rather than spending money we don't have on gifts we don't feel, why not do something more in the spirit of the love that started it all? If every man, woman and child would buy just one gift for some other man, woman, or child less fortunate than themselves, we could bring so much more joy into the season. Think of the impact this one simple act would have. Stress levels would drop significantly. Budgets would not be broken. Spirits would soar as giving would be from the heart rather than obligation.

Several of the stores in my hometown have 'Giving Trees' available for just this type of sharing. The trees are covered with cards containing information on the clothing sizes and special needs of specific children. The idea is to choose a card from the tree, buy the appropriate gift/gifts for the child and place the wrapped package back under the tree. This type of anonymous giving respects the original intent of this holiday. If we raised our children to give in this manner every year, rather than to expect to receive a mountain of presents from a mythical round cheeked man in a red suit, we would be raising our chances for a more evolved humanity. Imagine the joy of waking up Christmas morning knowing that you've made a difference in someone's life. This is one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children- what better time of year to begin.

We should show our family and friends how much we love them all year long, not just through a special gift or gifts at Christmas. Why not start a new tradition this year, you'll be a better person for it.