It may be early in December but shoppers are already bustling to find that perfect Christmas gift. One gets the impression the recession is over, but it’s not. Some of us are still a little cost conscious so I thought it would be nice to do a series of articles about Christmas gifts that don’t cost money. This first article is about gifts we can give to everyone.
Let’s face it, from now until Christmas, stores will be packed with people, parking spots will be at a premium, and roads will busier than usual. We are going to come in contact with a lot of people. We might think we can’t afford to give a gift to each one of them, but we would be mistaken. There are many things we can give to everyone that won’t cost money. Here are just a few…
Patience: First of all, realize it’s the holiday season. Everything is going to take more time. What good does it do to fret, complain, and send out toxic vibes to everyone around us? When you’re in that long checkout lane at Target why not just accept it and determine to keep a good attitude? A gift of patience sends out a positive aura that others will appreciate.
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)
Benefit of the Doubt: Contrary to popular opinion people do not exist to irritate us. Yes, they can be irritating but most of them aren’t doing it on purpose, especially during this time of year. So why not give them the benefit of the doubt? Cashiers are not deliberately slow. They are probably temporary help hired for the holiday season and doing the best they can. The gift of thinking good thoughts about others benefits them and us.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
An Act of Kindness: It’s been said that there are no small acts of kindness. So what may seem small to us may be a gift of great value to those we meet. Simply holding a door open, picking up a dropped package, letting someone ahead of us in line, giving someone directions, offering a seat to an elderly person, letting a car merge into our lane, or using words like please and thanks can make someone’s day. Studies show that acts of kindness have a ripple effect. When we do something kind for people, they tend to pass it on to others.
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25)
Smile: Smiles are a universal language. Not only do smiles lift spirits, they are contagious. Statistics show that a person who is given a smile will more than likely give one to someone else. Studies show that just forcing ourselves to smile has many benefits. We look younger and more attractive. Our moods change for the better. Stress is relieved. Our blood pressure is lowered and immunity system boosted. Let’s face it; this smiling thing is a win/win for everyone!
“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice…” (Psalm 32:11)
You know what they say – Jesus is the reason for the season. So think to yourself, “What would Jesus do?” Well, I think he’d give at least one of these gifts to everyone he’d meet!
