The Perfect Christmas Gifts

I missed it!  It has been right there in front of me for all of these years. I can see it now. How did it happen? What allowed me to see past the tree, the decorations, the lights, and the shopping these past few years?

Maybe it all started when my dad passed away ten years ago. As Christmas approaches I think about him, and how much he enjoyed Christmas. What fueled his unending joy?  It wasn’t the gifts!  He was so difficult to shop for. My dad never replied to my request for gift ideas; and he never expected anything to be waiting under the tree. Yet, he enjoyed Christmas maybe more than anyone.

I can now see what was on dad’s list, it had been right there in front of me all of these years. They were gifts you can give and receive 365 days a year. The perfect Christmas gifts that will never wear out, never break, and are 100% guaranteed to bring joy to the giver and the receiver.

#1 - Thanks 

Saying thank-you is so simple and too often simply forgotten. We don’t say thank-you often enough. Too commonly you hear, “No problem,” instead of “thank-you.”  A simple heart-felt, thank-you is so powerful. Give the gift of thanks.

#2 - Encouragement

We have all been gifted with unique talents. When you share the gift of encouragement you are helping someone unlock the best of who they are. Look for the good in others and pat them on the back. Give the gift of encouragement.

#3 - Patience

Everyone seems to be in such a hurry these days. Why do we make the unimportant and unnecessary urgent? We too often become frustrated and even angry with others resulting in hurt feelings and damaged relationships. Slow down, give the gift of patience. 

#4 - Forgiveness

We all make mistakes. We have all been hurt by the mistakes or transgressions of others. How many times would you have relished hearing, I forgive you? How many times should you have said, I’m sorry? Give the gift of forgiveness.

#5 - Time

The one thing we all start each day with is 24 hours. Time may be the only resource that is truly equal amongst us. How we spend it reflects our priorities. Give the gift of time to your family and in service to others. 

#6 - Knowledge and Wisdom

My dad loved his grandson’s. He loved to listen to them and answer their questions. I can now see how much he taught them, and how much they have missed not having him around. Give the gift of knowledge and wisdom.

#7 - Love

We all need it, want it, and don’t get enough of it. As Paul writes in I Corinthians 13, “Love is patience, love is kind…It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  Give the gift of love.

#8 - Smile

The smile is the universal currency of the world. You can change attitudes, engagement and performances with a smile. It costs nothing to give, and takes fewer muscles and energy than a frown. Give the gift of a smile.

#9 - Kindness and Compassion

The first time my dad showed me where he grew up, I was overwhelmed by the poverty.  At the time, I wondered how someone with so little could be so kind and compassionate.  He had a true appreciation for the value of people, and more than once I watched him give the last dollars in his wallet to a complete stranger who clearly was in need.  Give the gift of kindness and compassion.

#10 - Prayer

Prayers are unstoppable.  ”Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Give the gift of prayer.

This year has been filled with miracles and challenges. I can see how the trials of life are meant to push us closer to God.

Whatever paths we choose on this road of life, I pray we all will choose the right finish line. The place of greatest security is the center of God’s will. It is not always worry-free or trouble-free, but it is secure because it is where God calls us.

God’s Christmas gift is eterna, truly the perfect Christmas gift!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” 

--Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

Which gift or gifts would you most like to give and receive this year?