The Gift of Christmas: Spreading Love and Kindness

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The month before Christmas is often filled with a sense of anticipation. There is a lot of excitement, especially from young boys and girls. It is a magical time and everywhere there seems to be some form of bustling activity.

Each year the festive season starts earlier and earlier. Often in middle October you can see Christmas trees already up in stores, and the whole magical idea behind the festive season seems to only be focused on making money.

There is also an increase in shopping activities as people rush to the stores to find the perfect gift for their loved ones, and to catch a special or two.

You hear Christmas music everywhere and on television there is a multitude of Christmas movies but all of that just shows even more that Christmas is not about giving anymore but rather a big money making scheme where the whole goal behind Christmas is completely lost.

But what if you can make a difference and spread some love and kindness along the way.

The essence of Christmas lies in the joy of giving and sharing meaningful gifts because it captures he true spirit of the season.

Here are some thoughtful items that capture the essence of giving:

Handcrafted Gifts: You don't have to be an artist to create something hand-made. If you just bake cookies or make sweets, wrap it nicely with a bow in a basket. Home made cookies are always welcome and will be accepted with love. Crafting a DIY gift basket filled with homemade goodies, or preparing a jar of homemade jam exudes warmth and care.

Personalized Keepsakes: Customized photo albums, or engraved jewelry, hold sentimental value and reflect the uniqueness of relationships.

Donation in Their Name: Make a donation to a charity in your friend's name. This will promote compassion and generosity.

Experiential Gifts: Offering experiences like a cooking class, spa day, or tickets to a show encourages making memories and enjoying time together.

Books or Journals: Thoughtfully chosen books or journals tailored to their interests or goals can inspire personal growth and introspection.

Subscription services: How about signing up someone for a streaming platform like Netflix/Apple tv?

Time and Presence: The most valuable gift you can give someone is to spend some family time together. Cherished moments can be created and you might reconnect with your family again.

I saw something that sparked my interest on FaceBook very recently. You take an ordinary empty box and every day you place one object in the box. Afer one month there should be about 30 products in the box.

You can even ask your friends to join in and fill up their own boxes. After you have a few full boxes, the boxes can be donated to a charity of your choice or just delivered to someone in need. You don't even need to add your name to the box.

Remember what the bible say about giving:

"Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.

Have a blessed time and keep the holiday spirit going, but remember it is so much better to give rather than to receive.