Presents? No! Gifts? YES!!

Most assuredly, not all will feel as I, but if there is one person struggling with their giving this Christmas, may these words offer substance to redirect your thinking.

It seems that our society is caught up in the gimmickry of materialism at Christmas. Items are displayed in stores earlier and earlier each year. This past September, you could walk into most stores and find Christmas (called "holiday" now) alive and on sale. The aisles hollered out: Buy Me, Buy Me - and it continues to do so, with us having traveled past Columbus Day, Halloween, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. (No holiday can stand in the way of marketing the all mighty dollar). How sad that things have taken the place of the true meaning of giving. Why doesn't Neighbor Sally's jar of pickle relish, Auntie May's embroidered dish towels, or Grandma Gracie's crocheted tablecloth - all fashioned with loving hands, now mean so little? Why do the things which should matter most become white elephants to be boxed and placed in the closet, or even worse yet, taken to a thrift store for use as a tax deduction?

Gifts should never be measured in size or cost, nor should we be ashamed for not giving an expensive present. True, many judge us by the price of the present. That’s ridiculous! Contentment cannot be determined by the distribution /receipt of costly items. Why, next year will you remember what you received this year? Or more importantly, will you still appreciate it? Substance is not love, nor will it bring true happiness. If a price tag means joy, let's leave the price tags on. (Oh, I’ve done that a time or two due to hurriedly trying to get stuff wrapped. How embarrassing it was!!). If cost matters, let's make sure the tags are in conspicuous places to be noticed the minute the package is opened, and that the price tag screams out as to price and place purchased. Let's tell our children, our grandchildren, our parents, and/or our friends what we feel they are worth - $47.50, 79.95, $154.89, $275.99, $398.88, $487.67, or $??? I'm sure you get my drift.

For Christmas, let's decide whether we are going to give a present or give a gift. Presents are normally cold, usually expensive, and distributed without genuine care or concern - and is the result of the use of a credit card, letting a payment lapse, or shall I go a little further, IOU’ing your tithes. Sorry, just couldn’t resist but there are those who find such importance in giving presents. Sad, isn't it? The gift, however, is gift is warm, shows affection and might not cost a penny, and if there is a cost, it is done with much selectivity, care and love - and it won't mortgage your paychecks until next Christmas (or beyond). Gifts will last long after the batteries are dead, the wrap is tossed in the dumpster, and the thank you notes are written. Gifts live on...

Two of my greatest gifts came by way of love. Although one was not given at Christmas, it still speaks of what really counts, and declares that the spirit of Christmas should be alive in the heart all year round.

Treasured is a green ware Nativity set from my two sons, Mark and Cameron, for my birthday in 1976. I returned home from the hospital where my husband was in ICU. It was slightly after midnight but the two were waiting up for me. At first I scolded them for being up so late (which I regret to this day), and then realized that they were giving their love in such a special way. Opening that gift and watching their expressions still burns in my heart. It is priceless. I glazed and fired it in time for Christmas, and now each year, the Nativity is proudly displayed at Christmas (and sometimes throughout the whole year). Although, Mark is no longer with us, his memory lives on and his love continues to touch me when I look at this set that two precious boys bought with their hearts.

Another treasure as to what matters most - a tiny grin at Christmas from granddaughter Zoe when her mother Barbara tried to get a 3-1/2 month old to play with toys for age 3 years and up. Being our first grandbaby, we never once checked to see if the toys were suitable for a baby. Zoe loved the toys, and what a lasting memory we have. She gave us love with a precious smile and some small gestures of excitement. In less than two months, she was taken to dwell with angels. Nothing could ever take the place of that Christmas Day, and every Christmas her memory burns brightly as a gift of love.

Oh, there have been many other gifts given by my loved ones, and since the miles sometimes don't allow us to be together for the holidays, the memories of their gifts of love are gathered and treasured in my heart.

Friend, don’t judge this season by the lack of presents (yes, presents). Please judge the season by the gifts given of yourself to those you love. Those gifts are found in the heart, not under a tree.

Merry Christmas – and treasured Gifts to you all!