Ho! Ho! Ho! Everyone! Santa here again.
The last few days have been so hectic with Toy and Elf problems up to my big white beard. A Santa's work is never done! What's that Mrs Claus? Yes Dear, I know. You still have to vacuum while I sit down with my feet up and check the "Naughty and Nice" book.
Well it appears that everyone must have finally got so much that they don't need anything else. The sleigh will be light this year. No one is asking for anything. Not even the children. Come on everyone. I don't believe that for a second. So start talking or it will be a coal mine going out the window this year.
The Christmas season tradition that makes it stand out from all others is gift-giving. Crowded malls lead to brightly-wrapped packages and then to bright eyes and smiles as the surprises are revealed. Inevitably this tradition is criticized as too commercial, although it seems strange that anyone should complain about living in a society of working people, which allows us to purchase all the things that make life pleasant as well as things that just make us happy. In any case, we need to produce before we can give. Some suggest that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Is this true? Is this pure altruism or is there something in it for us the givers? This is a good time to ask about some of the reasons why is it of value to us to give gifts.
The valid reason for giving gifts to others is that others are of value to us. Sometimes we might give to others because of the things they give to us. We’re happy for good co-workers, for the folks who park our cars, cut our hair or deliver our mail. Sure, they were only doing their job. But it's still not a bad idea to remind them that we appreciate both what they do for us and what their job does for us-- that allow them to provide those services to begin with.
We give gifts to children not only for the obvious reason that we love them but also for the joy of seeing their expectant faces. Of course, we also want them to understand that as adults they must work for most things of real value to them. But we want to instill in them the notion that the universe is ultimately benevolent and that there is a world of beautiful and wonderful things that are worth working for.
Sometimes, if we're really creative, we can pick just the perfect gift that we know will be of special meaning to the individual that we value -- a book or music CD that they've been looking for but can’t find or perhaps something of which they are entirely unaware. It gives us a particular joy when we manage to pull off such a present because it’s actually a case of “to love them is to know them.” It’s our recognition of the interests, values and emotions of the other – the things we love about them – that allows us to anticipate the joy that will come both from their gift and from their recognition that someone really sees and appreciates what is essential about them, that they are visible to another's understanding mind and soul.
Even when we can’t find that perfect gift, we still take joy in giving a little something because of what parents, siblings, children, relatives or friends mean to us. So as you sit around handing them even just a token tie or box of chocolates, think of what they mean to you and why you’re giving them the gift. Think of what they’ve meant to you in recent weeks, months, years or all your life. Or better still, tell them!
Both giving and getting are great. But the gift is not just in the box that's given or received but in the hearts and minds of the givers and receivers as an affirmation of the people they value.
The valid reason for giving gifts to others is that others are of value to us. Sometimes we might give to others because of the things they give to us. We’re happy for good co-workers, for the folks who park our cars, cut our hair or deliver our mail. Sure, they were only doing their job. But it's still not a bad idea to remind them that we appreciate both what they do for us and what their job does for us-- that allow them to provide those services to begin with.
We give gifts to children not only for the obvious reason that we love them but also for the joy of seeing their expectant faces. Of course, we also want them to understand that as adults they must work for most things of real value to them. But we want to instill in them the notion that the universe is ultimately benevolent and that there is a world of beautiful and wonderful things that are worth working for.
Sometimes, if we're really creative, we can pick just the perfect gift that we know will be of special meaning to the individual that we value -- a book or music CD that they've been looking for but can’t find or perhaps something of which they are entirely unaware. It gives us a particular joy when we manage to pull off such a present because it’s actually a case of “to love them is to know them.” It’s our recognition of the interests, values and emotions of the other – the things we love about them – that allows us to anticipate the joy that will come both from their gift and from their recognition that someone really sees and appreciates what is essential about them, that they are visible to another's understanding mind and soul.
Even when we can’t find that perfect gift, we still take joy in giving a little something because of what parents, siblings, children, relatives or friends mean to us. So as you sit around handing them even just a token tie or box of chocolates, think of what they mean to you and why you’re giving them the gift. Think of what they’ve meant to you in recent weeks, months, years or all your life. Or better still, tell them!
Both giving and getting are great. But the gift is not just in the box that's given or received but in the hearts and minds of the givers and receivers as an affirmation of the people they value.
But we all know that Christmas without Santa just wouldn't be Christmas. So come on!!! Share your wishes with me. I need to give!!
Ho! Ho! Ho! Till next time
Santa
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1 comments:
Dear Santa,
I really love shoes and I cannot think of anything better than a nice pair of winter boots :-)
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