It’s that time of year when Christmas lights are up and the stores are packed with shoppers. As busy as you might be, it is always important to slow down and remember what the best part of the holiday is.
To me, Christmas isn’t about the presents with my name on it.
Christmas is about seeing the ones I love opening their gifts. It is about donating to the children that are not as privileged as I am. I remember as a kid, I would always be so excited to pick a name off of the tree in a department store and purchase a gift for that child.
I remember searching for the perfect toy, clothing item, or product that children from the tree would get to open Christmas day. I thought about their facial expressions and how they would feel receiving a gift of their own—from Santa, of course.
Imagine being able to be Santa for a child who doesn’t have the opportunity to have one like you do. We all know how good it feels to unwrap a gift covered in decorative wrapping paper. It feels even better to know that someone who really needs it, gets to do that because of you.
For my loved ones, the best part is planning that one special thing I would get to wrap and give to them. I get so excited trying to find the present that will make them the happiest. Forget my own list, I make a list of ideas of what to get for my friends and family.
As a broke college student, it isn’t always about necessarily purchasing a gift. I absolutely love getting creative. If you are ever in need of some inexpensive and unique gifts for someone in your life, always check out Pinterest.
If you run out of ideas after that, I’m a firm believer of just writing a simple letter expressing how important that person is to you. Words go a long way—take that from someone who cherishes every single one.
It is all about the joy that shines from the faces of those around you. It is about not allowing any child to go without a gift on Christmas morning. And it is about the love shared between two people when you give.
There is nothing like giving; it will always lend more love than you receive when opening your own gifts.
Since today is Christmas, it might be a little late to purchase a new gift or break out the arts and crafts in order for you to give. However, it isn’t too late to let the ones around you know how much they mean to you this holiday. And it certainly isn’t too late to give back to those in need.
And you know, the reminder to slow down and enjoy the love of giving is important no matter what time of year it is. There are always opportunities to give back to your community, family, and friends. It might just be your time to follow through and feel what it is like to give.
