This Christmas marks two years for me here in Taiwan. There are a lot of things I miss about Christmas, one was the Christmas tree with gifts under it and the anticipation of opening those gifts. I'm not much of a gift person, but since I moved here, it seemed that one of the only way to express love is through mailing my kids some gifts on their birthdays. It wasn't easy for me but I am discovering the joy of giving. Giving brings more happiness than receiving. That's why the Bible said that it is better to give than to receive.
Living in such as small space, I cannot store many unnecessary items. So I told my husband that there is no need to buy gifts, though at first I wanted it. But I changed my mind later. It's way better to give than to receive. So I bought lots of chocolates and snacks and assembled them into many different gift bags. Then I formed a list of people that God puts on my heart, they are mostly those who quietly serve without any recognition from people. I like those people. So I give them a small gift. They were so surprised and grateful. One cried because she happened to be having a very discouraging day, so the gift meant a lot. I had no idea the Lord will use such small gifts this way to bless others. I felt happy and encouraged as well. Giving is better than receiving! And there are a lot more other than physical gifts that we can give this holiday season. Maybe we can do one per day until Christmas or New Years. Here are a few suggestions:
Thank someone who works quietly
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss a suspicion.
Write a long overdue note to someone you love.
Hug someone and tell him/her that you love him/her.
Forgive an enemy.
Be gentle and patient with an angry person.
Express your gratitude.
Find time to keep a promise.
Bake something for someone.
Release a grudge.
Listen.
Smile at a stranger.
Enter into someone's sorrow.
Take a walk with a friend.
Laugh loudly.
Pat a dog and give it some love.
Play beautiful music.
Apologize for something you did.
Treat someone out for ice cream.
Do dishes for the family.
Pray for someone.
Thank someone who helped you when you were hurt.
Give a soft answer though you are emotional.
Encourage an older person.
Appreciate a coworker
Listen and smile at a child.
Play a family game.
Giving ourselves to others unselfishly without reservation or obligation. That's the spirit of Christmas and Christianity, isn't it?
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