The Season of Giving

I know, I know, keep dreaming. A Christmas list? Seriously? At 34-years and with a wife and two children, Christmas has changed in extraordinary ways for me. It's still my favorite time of year and there's a magical feeling in the air when it comes to Christmas, as far as I'm concerned. But for me, Christmas has truly become the season of giving much more than at any time I can remember. And you know what? I'm really liking the "going out and getting" part of the giving. There is so much power in being able to search out a gift that you know the recipient is simply going to love! I find more joy in that moment, when they recieve their gift, than I can think of having myself being given a gift.

As far as receiving gifts is concerned, I've gone on record in the past couple of years saying that I really don't want to get any gifts. And that's largely because of the haul of things I tend to bring home from my classroom on the last day of school before Winter Break. My students have been beyond generous through the years, spoiling me with Christmas gifts that have left me feeling overwhelmed. And then I feel slightly embarrassed rolling up to the house with a car full of presents while I simply could never afford to return the favor to my own family.

Nevertheless, my kind, loving family manages to get their good old daddy wonderful presents as well. But my point here, is that this year, more so than any other year in recent memory, is going to be one for the books. I think I've gone out and found some of the best gifts and most meaningful gifts ever. I've done so because I really wanted to express my love for my family, first and foremost. But also, as I wrote earlier, because for some reason, I just felt inspired to do so.

So, tick tock....the time is quickly coming to an end when good old St. Nick is going to be bringing his goodies to all the boys and girls around the world. We're just three weeks away! I'm getting more excited by the minute!