Giving: The best gift of all

Holiday decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Amid the rapid activity of the holidays, thinking beyond the needs of the present moment can be tough. There always seems to be some other task around the corner. 

But we have something else in common, that’s much more powerful than the anxiety of any given moment: It’s natural for us to give. Within us, we have a profound and ever-present ability to give some of the goodness we have in our hearts — whether it’s a small or a larger act of kindness; whether it’s some volunteering we’ve planned to do, or spontaneously helping someone carry an item they’re struggling with, for example. Just like the next sunrise, that spirit is always there and ready to be seen and experienced. And it fills us up with love. 

In spite of the conflicts and struggles happening in the world, this holiday season gives us a wonderful reminder of how we can use goodness and love to push back against their opposites. By expressing goodwill, we are truly giving and also contributing to peace in the world. That’s the true Christmas spirit, which makes a difference in each and every heart it touches.

In every season, we have the opportunity to reflect a bit more on the good we know, and what might come from it. Indeed, there is always a great deal of goodness and love being shared – the key is to keep our eyes more open to these qualities, and know we have them to freely give to others. In every moment, they are there to touch our lives and remind us how innately good we are.

Anything that would turn us inward, that would try to separate us from each other, is very much like the clouds hiding the sun. The light can’t be stopped from being light; there’s something about our very being that looks out from self, and is ready to help others. That’s the true spirit of the holidays. It never stops giving. Good is continuous, and it really is the best gift of all.

— Gareth Henderson