Now that it’s December, people all around Georgia are feeling pressure to purchase gifts for their loved ones. Christmas is a time of celebration, family time and giving. It’s a time for reflection on the year and acknowledging all that has come to pass.
Sadly, many forget the true meaning of the season, as they focus on never having or being enough: not enough presents, not enough cards, not enough time. It’s important to remember that kids may not remember the presents years from now, but they’ll always cherish the time you spent with them making cookies, decorating the tree, looking at Christmas lights and teaching them about the spirit of the season.
The Christmas Season is a celebration of the blessing we received from God in his only son, Jesus Christ. This Christmas, let’s remember to be thankful for our many blessings. It’s important to never take our blessings for granted, and we must always remember the true value of loving friends and family.
While there’s no gift we can give that will equal God’s child, our everyday actions can represent true Christian values. When complaining that work is hard and stressful, think about the many people who no longer have an office to complain about. Think about the military men and women who are spending their holidays protecting our nation instead of with their families. Think about the children who do not have a family to love them, let alone shower them with gifts. Remember that success comes in counting blessings, not possessions. Give priceless gifts, like love and time, rather than gifts bought to put under the tree.
There are plenty of opportunities for you to share your love with those who need it most this holiday. The Salvation Army created the Angel Tree program, more than thirty years ago, to provide clothing and toys to children at Christmastime. You can find an Angel Tree at malls around the metro Atlanta area. Toys for Tots is another program that provides children with toys, and donation centers can be found in many retail locations.
If spending money is not an option, you and your kids can write letters to soldiers stationed overseas, thanking them for their service and sacrifice. You can visit the elderly, and spend time talking with them, which will surely make their day. You can volunteer to feed the homeless. The opportunities are abundant, so forget the feeling of “never enough” because you are enough to make a difference to someone this holiday season.
Whether you hang stockings and decorate trees for Christmas; light the menorah, and play a game of dreidel for Hanukkah, or light a kinara for Kwanzaa, this time of year brings happiness and celebration to many families throughout the world.