Christmas: A Season for Giving

There are several holidays during the year when gifts are given or exchanged. But Christmas is the magical season for gift giving and gift exchanges. Christmas is rooted in both religious and folk traditions.

Over the past twenty years, Christmas decorations started to appear in stores earlier and earlier. It is not unusual now to see Christmas decorations in stores in August and the stores decorated with a mixture of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in October.

To the Christians of the world, Christmas is the birthday of the baby Jesus. It is traditional to attend Christmas morning services celebrating the birth of Jesus and then to exchange gifts. We remember our Bible story of the gift of the Three Wisemen on his birth.

When we give during the Christmas season, we give to our family, our friends, and our business acquaintances. It is during this season that some magic does occur. We extend our circle of family and friends beyond those we know personally and give to those who are less fortunate than we are. It is when we do this, that the real magic of Christmas is revealed.

During the winter months, many people become depressed. During the holiday season, many depressed people take their lives. They are lost and feel alone. Children write letters to Santa Claus asking for toys they know their parents can not afford to give them. Social Service agencies feed the hungry. These are gifts that are not only important during the Christmas season but also all year long.

The Christmas season is about the values we hold for each other. It is the time when the values we have taught our children come into play. It is not just about the toys received, it is about our feelings toward our fellow humans. As soon as you feel it is appropriate, you can start to teach your children about giving. At Christmas when you take them to see Santa and to see the toys in the stores, have them to pick out something to give to another child.

During the Christmas season, there are drop-off points at fire stations and other public buildings where you can take toys for less fortunate children. Most places like the toys unwrapped so they will know whether it is for a boy or girl and the appropriate age of the child. Take your child with you to drop off the toy. If you make this a part of your Christmas giving, it is likely that your child will keep this tradition as they grow older.

Another tradition for giving you can start with your children is to visit a senior citizen home. You and your children can bake cookies and take them to residents. Your kindness will be greatly appreciated. You and your family can also volunteer to hand out food at one of the many kitchens set up to feed the homeless during the season.

Christmas is a time we spend with family and friends to share the joy the year has brought us. Make it special by giving to those less fortunate.