A Christmas Wish

     “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35)

     Those who give (either materially or of themselves) gain more more than they give. I truly believe this. There was a story recently on CBS Sunday Morning about giving selflessly. Steve Hartman, a regular contributor to the show, does human-interest type stories. Some are quirky and funny, others touch your heart. I often find myself tearing up. This week his story centered around this gentleman who, every Christmas, anonymously passes out $100 bills to random strangers. The people are in need and this “Secret Santa” money makes a big difference in their lives. This year “Santa” enlisted the help of a homeless man. The homeless man’s mission was to pass out 3,000 Secret Santa dollars to needy people he met or who he knew could use the money. This man stood on the sidewalk with his sign asking for “donations” to see who or if anyone would respond with kindness. Many just passed him by. Then two young women stopped and spoke to him wishing him a “Merry Christmas”. Each were rewarded with $100 bill. One of the young women wept. Clearly it made a difference in her circumstances. Another guy dropped all the change he had in the man’s cup as he hurried past. He received a $100. Even though he had small children and little money to get them Christmas presents, he gave this homeless man all the pocket money he had. As he held back tears, he talked about what the money would mean to his family’s Christmas. Then there was the single mother of five, homeless, who wordlessly wept while the man praised her for the good job she was doing taking care of her children. No judgement, just encouragement and $500 to help give her kids a great Christmas. But the best thing was the man who was tasked with passing out the money learned how wonderful it is to give and help others who are in circumstances similar to his own. At the end of the story he said the whole experience changed his life. The Secret Santa gave this homeless man money for his help but it was changing other people’s lives that made the biggest impression on him.

     In my life I’ve known those who believe a gift, any gift,  must be expensive to have worth. That could mean many different things. Relieving your guilt because you’ve neglected the recipient, fixing forgotten birthdays or other special occasions, trying to ensure you will still be liked by the recipient. There’s a reason for the saying, “It’s the thought that counts.” There’s nothing wrong with a big, extravagant gift. If the gift comes from your heart, if you’ve thought it through, can afford it and know it will be received with the joy with which it’s given, do it. If it’s given only to impress or to make You feel better or absolve your guilty conscience it won’t be worth it. Resentment may be the end result; resentment from spending money you didn’t really have or feeling you are being paid-off to stay silent so the neglect can continue.

     Giving the gift you know someone would like or need will mean so much more. Even if the gift is a pair of warm socks. If the person getting those socks really needs warm socks they’ll be so glad you recognized their need and filled that need. You can make something; whether knitted, crocheted, painted, homemade or home-grown, you know the recipient will love and use it, so do it. It shows you put thought and effort into your gift. It shows you care about the person who is receiving that gift. The feeling you get will be just wonderful, trust me. I’ve always loved giving more than receiving. Well, at least since I stopped being a kid. Honestly, it’s much more fun for me to see the reactions to what I give. I love to make gifts. Sometimes they work out, sometimes not but it’s all right. I made the effort, put the time and thought into it. To me, something homemade means more than anything I might receive from Jared.

     So this year, instead of worrying more about how much you spend, spend from your heart. Give to someone who has less. Realize there are children who won’t have as much to eat while school is closed for the holiday since they usually get breakfast and lunch at school. Realize there are military families who may be separated during the holiday. Keep in mind there are pet rescues that do their good work through donations. They can always use food and supplies. Food bank needs never end. Any one working a service based job can use an extra buck or two when you tip. It’s hard work, mostly thank-less. They have families, bills, financial worries just like you. Think what a little extra money means to you. The feeling you get from giving will warm your heart for a long time. And maybe, just maybe your giving will be contagious. If we all start giving from the heart we may change the world.