Giving in a Christmas without Cash
You are the Greatest Gift this Holiday Season
Christmas represents a time of giving and receiving... and shopping. Yet, many are financially drained by economic recession. How can someone barely able to pay for basic necessities find the resources to celebrate the season?
Having little or no money, it is crucial to wholeheartedly reject the commercialism that has dominated the culture for the last century. Claim, instead, that there is more to Christmas than material possessions.
Consider this: Christmas is NOT about buying and getting things. Christmas is about giving and receiving gifts. The Christian tradition offers a beautiful story of one who came in love to give himself, asking only to be received.
A Wonderful LIfe
It's a Wonderful Life: an absolute Christmas classic. Character George Bailey, a poor man, depressed at Christmas, discovers that the greatest gift he has to give is… himself! Rather than wallowing in depression, he chooses to transform his outlook and behavior, and be present with his loved ones.
Take this idea personally by objectively assessing your behaviors and characteristics. How would your family or friends like to see you change and grow? What an amazing gift your dedication to transformation could be!
Inspiration for Growth
Listen to music, watch movies, read books. In art there is inspiration for change. Talk to friends and family and ask them (if they have not already been doing so for years) to point out your flaws. Thank them for their courage and honesty.
If a doctor gave you one month to live, what would you do with your time? Would you shamelessly waste it on frivolous acts of consumption like shopping or gambling, or would you spend it with family and friends? The person you would like to be is the person you can be.
Make a Commitment
Once you have decided what you are ready to offer as you give yourself this holiday season, it is time to affirm the commitment. To do this, tap into your creative talents so that you can share your intention.
Write a letter, a card; make a painting, or a drawing or some form of display to symbolize the commitment. Consider performing a skit or delivering a speech. It can be elaborate or simple. The point is that you show that you are offering yourself.
The Greatest Gift
The story of Christmas is the story of the birth of Jesus, who came to offer himself to all mankind. Birth is the first step; it is not the finished product. As you take the first step and give of yourself this Christmas, you are inviting the true spirit of the holiday.
Whether your gift is to stop criticizing your mother so much, or to spend more time with your kids, or simply to be more happy and engaged in life in general - you are what your family and friends desire. You are the perfect present.
Present
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