In our fast-paced modern world, it is only too obvious how the Christmas holiday has become saturated with consumerism. What has happened to the true meaning of giving?

This scenario has sadly become the forefront of the special Christmas season, which is supposed to be one of giving.  However, it seems that if more people would take time to reflect a bit of what the true spirit of this season is really about, they would realize that the most important part is the giving of themselves, and sharing their love, their time and talents.  One’s presence is the best present anyone could receive.  Sharing your time and love with relatives, or by sharing your Christmas dinner table with a lonely neighbor,  taking time to visit a homebound friend, or putting together the ingredients of a Christmas dinner for a family that would otherwise be without, is the true meaning of giving presents.  It is not a dollar figure that matters, nor is the numerous expensive toys that get tossed aside a few hours after being opened.  That’s where so many people today lose the entire special meaning of this wonderful holiday.

Whether a person is religious or not, most everyone knows the story of the birth of Christ, why God sent His son to be among us, and His message of giving.  Christ was, and is, the message of hope and love.  We all have been given the opportunity to show that hope and love to all those around us, if we can get beyond our own selfishness.  This year, why not concentrate on giving gifts that can only be felt, not touched, by giving of yourself rather than your money.