The gift of giving

Christmas is on its way, as we take the first step into the last month of 2011.
As I woke up this morning, to a cold and dark house, the sight of a "Toy Story" Advent calender lit up the room.

Even as a teenager, I still really love Christmas, although perhaps for different reasons than I used to. Of course I still love unwrapping the presents on Christmas morning, but nowadays I enjoy giving gifts as well. There's something quite special about passing someone a packaged parcel, with a mutual knowledge that you spent time, money and effort on buying them something. Even a Christmas card with a personal message inside, gives the receiver and the giver a magical feeling.

Of course we all know that Christmas originated as a celebration of the birth of a Jesus, but beneath it all the real message in my opinion, is sharing and giving.

I really believe the best gift you can receive at Christmas is a smile from a friend that you have just given a present to, and I hate seeing those who would rather take than give.

It is the one time of the year, spare birthdays, when the thought on everyone's mind is "What will I get for them? What will they get for me?", and I think it's great. Whether you believe it really is the day when the son of God was born, or you believe it's just a time to show thanks and recognition, or indeed if you believe that you have to leave mince pies and carrots for Santa and Rudolph so that they will pay a visit, Christmas is a time for sharing. And I really hope everyone does just that, and shares a bit of love this December.