“GIVE OF YOURSELF!”

by Opal Elaine Moyer

     Christmas is the ultimate time of giving, but giving what? Yes, it is wonderful to shower lavished gifts on those whom we love, whether or not it's something they may not need or ever use. Yet families are not spending that much more time together over the holidays than any normal day. Is this what Christmas is truly about? Are we truly teaching our children anything in this practice?

     Christmas has always been about giving, though it is dubious that Christmas celebrations of years gone by included the pushing, shoving and clinking cash registers, that have so become a part of the holidays, today. The result of these things is a cold, empty feeling rather than the warm joy that is supposed to be so typical at this time of year.

     One excellent example of the joy of giving, this time of year, is the Christmas scene of Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women. The March family forfeited their own Christmas dinner to a neighboring family, who was even poorer than they. Later they, themselves enjoyed a small breakfast, together, and the exchange of their few meager gifts. The greatest gift that they gave to one another was to be together.

     This is not to say that families should give up their Christmas, entirely, to others. The point is, rather, to embrace others and to make them part of your holiday celebration. There are so many opportunities to do so. The Salvation Army's kettle program is underway right now. There are local soup kitchens and the Toys for Tots programs. Monetary donations are great for these groups but donations of time are needed, too. These charities need the donation of time, as well. Donations, such as these, can mean so much and do not require that much time or money.

     The warmth, this time of year, that comes from giving of oneself is the greatest gift that one can give to others and to oneself. Happy Holidays!