The Gift of a Generous Spirit
As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the commercialism surrounding gift-giving. Yet, the most meaningful gifts are rarely the most expensive—they are the ones chosen with care, reflecting the giver’s thoughtfulness and the recipient’s uniqueness. This season, let’s focus on gifts that create connection and express genuine love, rather than just adding to the excess.
At the heart of a meaningful gift is presence. Taking time to consider what will truly bring joy or meet a need in someone’s life shows a deeper level of care. A handwritten card, for example, can carry more weight than a generic store-bought item.
Thoughtful gifts don’t need to be grand. Small gestures, like a homemade treat, a framed photo, or a book chosen with the recipient’s interests in mind, can speak volumes. These gifts show not just what you’ve purchased, but the time and effort you’ve invested in considering the person’s heart and preferences.
Ultimately, gift-giving is about generosity of spirit—offering someone your attention and care. This can mean spending intentional time with family and friends or means simply sharing a smile with someone you pass by on the street. An attitude of charity and generosity can mean far more to others than we realize, and focusing on meaningful acts of love helps make Christmas a time of true connection and joy.
Let’s embrace the opportunity to give gifts that inspire, uplift, and strengthen our relationships. After all, the greatest gift we can give is the gift of selfless care and love for others.
"If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give."
—St. Peter Chrysologus
Hosting People, Not Parties
When you welcome guests over for holiday festivities, it is easy to get caught up in the details of the event and lose sight of what really matters. What a delight it is to remember that when you’re hosting a Christmas season gathering, you are not just hosting a party, you are hosting people.
Then it easily becomes top priority to make your guests feel loved, welcomed, and comfortable
Here are some simple ways to make your guests feel welcome at your next holiday party:
Know your guests and take time to think about who is coming to your event. Are there any special preferences or needs you can accommodate? Personal touches, like their favorite drink or placing them near someone they know at the table, go a long way in making people feel comfortable.
Offer a warm welcome by meeting your guests at the door and personally inviting them into your home. Offer a drink or a tour of your home- something to show that you really value their presence.
Give a thoughtful gift. If possible, provide a small token of appreciation for your guests—this could be as simple as a handwritten note or a small homemade treat they can take home. Even a simple homemade placecard with their name on it shows that you thought about and are grateful for them as an individual.
Hosting isn’t about perfection; it’s about making people feel seen, loved, and cared for. By focusing on your guests as individuals, you’ll create a memorable and meaningful gathering.
For more guidance on this topic, check out The Thoughtful Home by Dia Boyle!
