Christmas Presence

I didn't know his story, didn't ask what he meant, who he would be giving a man's ring and coat to, or if he just meant for himself. But I do know that even as my friends and family opened their fabulous gifts from me on Christmas morning, that guy was all I could think about.

I changed that day, almost imperceptibly perhaps. But the seeds that my parents had planted about the nature of giving took root. It would take a while for me to really get why they would only allow me to focus on what I wanted to give for Christmas rather than what I hoped to get, and why they would send me to school each year on my birthday with a beribboned roll of pennies for each child in my class. I am so profoundly grateful for those lessons. Giving and sharing — of my time, talents and treasure — have brought me so much boundless joy over the years and given me a deep appreciation for what I do receive. One of my constant wishes for the people I love is that they grasp the great blessing that is giving and shift their perceptions about the holidays and life in general.