What Christmas Means Now

As we age, unwrapping gifts at Christmas doesn’t have the appeal it did in our youth. Jesus, not Santa Claus is what it’s all about.

With each of life’s seasons, what we hold dear changes. It migrates from acquiring things, to seeking out new experiences or cherishing the moments we spend with family and friends.

Giving and getting hugs truly is the perfect gift for all occasions.

Presence, not presents is the Christmas gift we cherish the most.

Sue & I are so very grateful for a family that includes us in everything our grandchildren do, whether it’s a cross-country race, a band concert, a violin recital, an awards day, talent show or birthdays and anniversaries. Tears well up in our eyes with pride as we participate in these special moments.

It’s during these times our iPhones are not used to check emails or social media, but to record the experience with pictures and videos; most of which end up in our digital frames allowing us to enjoy these wonderful moments again and again.

I know we make it hard for children and grandchildren, who still are at that stage of life where giving gifts of “things” is required.

The irony is, presence, while being the simplest thing to give, can also be the hardest, in a world that runs at warp speed.

Aging makes us aware of life’s fleeting nature. It’s why parents and grandparents cherish this gift of presence so very much.

Aging gives us the wisdom that the gift of one’s time, attention and love are the best gifts we could ever receive.

‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.’

-Maya Angelou

This Christmas, as we celebrate the Birth of our savior Jesus Christ, we ask for God to bless us, so that we may become a blessing for others. Because what matters most in life, are the moments we make together.