Gift-giving

Christmas has turned into something that it shouldn't:

of who receives the best gift
or who can give the best turkey dinner
the busiest time of year for most people
the loneliest for some
to consume
and to be consumed

Even Dr. Seuss says:
"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
What if Christmas,
he thought,
doesn't come from a store.
What if Christmas,
perhaps,
means a little bit more."

I have been reading a number of blogs from people, Christian and non-Christian, who try to keep the true meaning of Christmas by giving presence, not presents. I'm struggling with keeping tradition and making Christmas more meaningful. I wonder if it could not be both. Could I not use the act of giving a gift for also showing how important that person is to me? Is gift-giving really a bad thing? Isn't it just a vehicle for people to spend time together?

I just realized, as I type this, that for some reason, I wrote X'mas cards to all my co-workers, but none to my friends and family. Perhaps, because I subconsciously know that if I didn't, my family and friends would grant me forgiveness and be happy that I am there to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year with them. No strings or ribbon or gift receipt attached. I guess that should be the same with presents.

I still don't have the answers and even if I do, I know that I will revisit the gift-giving conundrum again later in life as the secular Christmas evolves.

For now, I leave you with something quiet and humble to contemplate:

Isaiah 9:6
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.