Christmas is my daughter Abby’s favorite time of year. She loves the lights, the TV shows, the music, and being out of school. Most of all, though, she likes the presents. Every year she lights up as each one is placed under the tree. She looks through them, trying to guess what treasure might be inside. This year, there’s and especially big box that has her almost giddy with anticipation.
As she’s gotten older, Abby has also started to understand the joy that comes from giving gifts. It’s an interesting lesson that most of us learn – the joy that comes from giving. There’s something special about finding the perfect gift for a loved one and then watching as they unwrap it. As a husband and father, I know the feeling all too well.
Another neat component of Christmas is the stories. One of my favorites was written by O. Henry (a pen name of William Sydney Porter) back in 1905. It’s the story of James and Della Dillingham, a poor couple who seek out the perfect gift for each other. In the end, they find out what giving really is.
It’s a short story, so I invite you to read The Gift of the Magi.
Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas. May the gifts you give and receive carry the true spirit of the season.
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