The Love Behind the Gift

Have you been asked…dare I say…the infamous question, “What do you want for Christmas?” Did you respond like me, with a blank stare because you have absolutely no idea what you want because you don’t need anything?  Unfortunately, suggesting something sensible, like a bottle of vitamins, just doesn’t cut it

Funny enough, when I’m asked that question, it doesn’t take many minutes before I’m humming the little childhood jingle…

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, see my two front teeth. Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth then I could wish you a “Merry Christmas!”

Back then—when my bottom two front teeth were missing—life was simple. Wants and needs were one and the same: I wanted my front teeth because I needed them! It’s not that easy any more. It seems that nowadays one is forced to suggest something one wants, when, in fact, there is no need for said item.

And then there’s the other side to the infamous question, when I’m the one doing the  asking! Unfortunately, having no idea where to begin takes the pleasure out of giving, and most certainly out of shopping. So, desperate to avoid the needless anxiety, futile frustration and long hours of shopping and coming up empty, I end up asking, wanting to please.

I remember when my kids were children and my mother-in-law would give all of us money rather than a gift. I never did like the idea. One year I bought myself Top of the Hill, a Royal Doulton figurine, wrapped it up and put it under the tree… from her to me! To say she was delighted would be an understatement!

I vowed I’d never give my children and grandchildren money. I’d find something to put under the tree. And you know what? It’s a big struggle, especially when your children are adults and some live hundreds of miles away or your grandchildren reach those wonderful teenage years of wanting only money for Christmas.

Now I understand why my mother-in-law did what she did!

I suppose the whole idea of gift-giving—whether it’s a sweater, a pair of socks or money—is that it’s done out of love. Don’t we just want to please? Don’t we want to give something that brings a smile and pleasure to the faces of those we love? I just heard from my younger son who lives in British Columbia that his Christmas gift-box arrived safely, that he opened it just to take a peek and then closed it up until Christmas (if he can wait that long!). I could almost hear his smile!

Gift-giving is an important part of this wonderful time of the year. But let’s not forget the greatest gift of all, one given out of a love that goes beyond human understanding and one to which we didn’t have to answer the question: “What do you want for Christmas?” God knew what we needed.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Merry Christmas!