“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” – Janice Maeditere
There is a joy as a parent in watching your kids open gifts, but a much greater one watching them play together afterwards. The feeling of peace (even if momentary with hooligan children like mine) and the sound of their laughter is worth a thousand times more than the economic value of the gifts.
The hug from a friend you haven’t seen in too long.
The text with a smile you miss.
The phone call from someone you miss talking to.
Randomly running into that former coworker (or a cousin) and seeing they are doing well.
Volunteering for Toys For Tots or the Salvation Army.
These are gifts more precious than gold. These emotions and memories are nigh on to Heaven itself and stay with us in the darkest coldest days of the winters of our lives.