Sir Godfrey Gregg

The excitement of finding the perfect present is a real and joyful part of Christmas. But the spirit of giving extends far beyond the wrapped boxes under the tree. The most profound gifts we can give often don’t come with a price tag. They are gifts of presence, of attention, of self.

This is the gift of your patience with a flustered cashier. It’s the gift of your full, undivided attention to a child telling a long, rambling story. It’s the gift of shovelling a neighbour’s driveway without being asked, or sending a handwritten note to someone who is feeling alone. It’s the gift of forgiveness, offered freely to mend an old rift.

This season, challenge yourself to give these intangible presents. Look for opportunities to offer the gift of your time, your talent, or your kindness. The magic of this kind of giving is that it fills the giver as much as the receiver. It connects us, heals us, and reminds us of our shared humanity. In these acts, we truly embody the spirit of the season and discover a deeper, more enduring joy.