This season, give more than gifts

Viewpoint by Sandy Hill/reporter

With another Thanksgiving holiday behind us, many are probably feeling the pang of Christmas just around the corner.

There’s no doubt Christmas can be a stressful time of year. Family tensions can run high, and the pressure of trying to find the time to do it all in Martha Stewart-style can be overwhelming.

The time we spend together can often be strained by differences in personalities or viewpoints. Some families live miles apart so holidays are spent alone, separated from the ones we love.

Keeping life in perspective is important. It’s here and gone before we know it.

My father-in-law was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and my mother-in-law recently fell breaking her leg and now spends her days in a wheelchair. Both are in their 80s. We don’t know the number of their days. Only God does.

Just days before Thanksgiving, my nephew’s wife gave birth to their first child, the first great-grandchild. As we gathered around the Thanksgiving table visiting with them on Skype, we got our first glimpse of their precious baby girl.

As one life begins, others may soon come to an end. When it comes down to it, the only thing that really matters in life is relationships — spending time with the people we love and cherish the most, not the gifts we give or receive.

Consider giving something a little less tangible this year — time, our most precious asset. A Christmas spent focusing on people rather than things.

As our loved ones age and our time with them seems to be winding down, the quality of their remaining days becomes significantly more important. Eat together, laugh together and most importantly, love one another because time is short and life is precious.

And while we’re at it, let’s not forget those less fortunate than ourselves. No matter what our situation is, there will always be others with needs greater than our own.

Let’s not sit back and wait for the gifts of Christmas to come to us. Let’s be that gift to others. Each one of us has the ability not only to bless a life but to change a life — an investment of time you will never regret.