It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, sales, busy traffic, decorations, and material items during the holiday season.
We spend so much time running around looking for the perfect present to impress our loved ones, when truly the real Christmas presents have been by our sides the other 364 days of the year.
In a time of political chaos and environmental division, it is important to cherish those around you this Christmas and remember the real gifts.
1. Home
This can be your house, your hometown, the state in which you live, or the people you share an apartment with. Home is not always necessarily a standard house. It can be a group of people, a church, a community. Any place or group of people where you feel entirely comfortable and welcome.
2. Food, Warmth and Clothing
While you may not have the latest Jordans or a gourmet chef at home, you are lucky enough to have at least 3 meals of the day, a heater in your home, and a winter jacket and warm clothes.
In so many other places of the world, people of all ages from childhood to adulthood are left in poverty starving, or cold. They do not have the simple things we take for granted every single day.
3. Friendship and Loved Ones
As cliche as it may sound, these are the ones who support you all year round, through any kind of stormy weather or hardships you may face. They are there even after the holidays, and radiate warmth and light.
4. The Gift of Music, Art, and Power to be Creative
Messages can be spread through a variety of forms -- but my favorite one has to be through music or art. It is the most powerful source of all, and is sometimes heavier and more influential than the power of speech or vocal action.
Coming together as a community to spread cheer via music or creativity is a true gift that brings people closer and on a new spiritual level.
5. Good Food
I am a huge foodie, and I think having access to true homestyle cooking and delicious holiday and seasonal beverages is definitely a treasure.
6. Spirituality and Faith
Whether you are Christian, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, or anything in the spiritual realm -- the connection within your soul and your respective God or Suns is extremely important in self growth and discovery.
So as the holidays come to a close, remember to cherish what is around you. And remember the true gifts of Christmas this holiday season.
