Christmas Thoughts #1

      Christmas is a time of gift giving, as we all know, but I heard an interesting story today that made me think of a different aspect of gift giving. Ponder for a minute all the gifts you have received from Christmas to Christmas. Are there special ones that meant a lot to you? Do you still have some of those special gifts? Are there some that you enjoyed for a bit and then lost interest? How about those you accepted, but were not really happy about them! And I am sure there are a lot of gifts you received that you can't even remember. Along those lines of receiving gifts, how do you respond? I am sure those you absolutely adore and are delighted to receive can be recognized by anyone. Do you receive those that are nice and you thank someone politely for them, but are much more reserved than for those "awesome" gifts! And how about the gift you really don't like, but get anyway. Do you still express thanks or do you whine and complain and make rude comments? Gift giving CAN be difficult and complex. I am sure we have all experienced the wondering what to give someone and maybe we were those who sometimes gave the gifts that weren't appreciated. And I am sure we have received that not so wonderful gift ourselves! BUT isn't it the thought that counts? At least someone tried to give you something to express their love and appreciation for you!!! I hope this year we will accept what gifts we are given with appreciation and gratitude for the thought of someone trying to get you something because you mean something special to them even if it is not something you are super impressed with. After all, haven't we all been on both sides of the gift giving and receiving??