“I love the Christmas-tide, and yet,
I notice this, each year I live;
I always like the gifts I get,
But how I love the gifts I give!”
Carolyn Wells
As the hours of Christmas Eve ticked by, the flurry of activity never ceased as the last minute preparations were underway. Ranging from rearranging the set of cookies and assortment to be given to the church, wrapping up the gifts for the children, getting the early preparations for the Christmas lunch tomorrow as well as keeping the house open for last minute carol singers and guests, the list of things to get into order was endless.
Through all these hours, the willingness to help and share the joy was what kept all our spirits high. And that is what forms the basis of the spirit of Christmas. Not in how much one can receive, but one can give.
“God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If He gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it.” Pope Francis
Each of us have our share from the “Season of Giving”. For that is what makes up the core of Christmas and the miracles of this season. Giving can vary in many forms. From the materialistic gifts of clothing for the orphanages, gifts to those in the poorer sections of society, spending time at the old age homes, bringing cheer to the patients admitted in the local hospitals, nursing homes or the shelters and the list goes on. The essence of Christmas lies in the spirit of giving.
Through the last hours before Christmas, spreading the cheer starts from within. By the actions we do, the expressions and the vibes we carry. Being human, there may be sparks of negativism or frustration that rise every now and then. Yet learning to quell them down with the joys of sharing the spirit of kindness, love, hope and warmth through the gift of giving would carry more happiness and peace within. In addition to the decor and gaiety of Christmas season, it is the cheer one spread and miracles that happen due to goodwill and humaneness that light up the season in it’s true meaning.
“Oh sweet December,
You bring us Charlie Brown, chestnuts and candy canes,
You add such sweetness to your name
You bring us garland, gingerbread and mistletoe,
You also bring us everything wrapped in a bow
Oh sweet December-you’re so good to us,
You always prepare us for The Christmas fuss”
Charmaine J Forde
Sugar And Spice... Among Other Things 