The Greatest Gift of All

This special time of year has always been synonymous with gift giving. Though beautifully wrapped presents and holiday packages can be found under most trees during this time, the greatest gifts we really can give are our time and talents.

Most of us can agree that this year has been unlike most. In many ways it’s brought us closer together, at least for many that live in the same household. For those that don’t, it’s created a distance as a result of COVID-19 and the social distancing measures put in place to prevent it from spreading. While the elderly, who are considered to be the most vulnerable, have had to limit their interaction with their family and dear friends, our school-age children, and even some college-age, have been forced to have classes online at home due to the pandemic. The effects of the limited socialization our current circumstances have created are likely to be felt for many years to come.

During this season in what has been an unprecedented year, I encourage you to give in a different way that you may have before. Take time to call, ZOOM or FaceTime your family and friends. Reflect on wonderful memories from the past and let them know why they mean so much to you. If you have children, try having them reach out to their older relatives. You’d be surprised at the wonderful conversations that can be created between generations.

Sharing our talents with those we care for is another gift we can give that doesn’t cost us too much. That could mean creating homemade cookies, replacing a store-bought holiday card with one you designed from home, creating a video of you playing an instrument or singing a classic Christmas song and sending it out as a video text to your loved ones.

There is no better time than the holidays to show those around us how much we truly care. Use this opportunity to think outside the box and give in a creative or different way this year. Reach out to a relative or friend you haven’t been in contact with for years. This may feel like a different holiday season in many ways, but if you get creative with how you approach it, it could turn out to be one of your best holidays ever. I’m sending peace and blessings to you and your family. Happy Holidays!