IT'S THE SMALL THINGS Everywhere I go, lights are glistening, avenues are lit up, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies are abound, and Christmas carols are on full blast. It is also beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas with the rush in everything. The “holidaze” are most definitely here again, and in stark contrast to the past two years, in my opinion, back with a vengeance to pre-pandemic levels. It almost feels like the energy is higher, and understandably so — people’s excitement is no longer contained given the more relaxed health protocols. Let’s face it, life, is much more back to normal than we sometimes acknowledge it to be. We are finding ourselves longing for slower days here and there, but if anything, we now have the liberty to decide on our precautionary measures, and pretty much, how we want to live our lives. Promise, and hope, are most definitely in the air. And when I think back to my holidays pre-pandemic, Christmas has always been a happy time — despite the rush, the hectic mood, and the frenzy of it all. It is a season of abundance where people tend to be more generous than other times, are more willing to engage in festivity and celebration, and in general, when people are in happier mood. Gatherings and get together are in full swing — nights are longer, days are shorter, as they blur and overlap into each other. But in the midst of it all, I always make it a point to remind myself of the very reason for the actual season. As Christians, Christmas is the celebration of our savior’s birth. An occasion that merits all the merrymaking, but one that should also remind us to be a man for others. The stark reality among the merriment we enjoy is that there are more who are deprived of such. If only for this season, may those of us who find ourselves in a more privileged and prosperous position not forget to share our blessings so that a family or two can enjoy more. While material things should never be at the core of happiness, and while we must continuously shine light on the priceless facets of life that bring us long and lasting happiness, having food on the table — somewhat special at that — on Christmas Eve will most definitely bring a family who otherwise would not have the access, a most memorable meal. One that will be the backbone of many happier memories in the years to come. So as the season gets going, and as we are ticking of our Christmas lists, we often find ourselves wondering: “What can we get those who have it all?” More often than not, the answer lies in being a gift that will keep on giving. The best gift you can give someone who can buy anything, and who perhaps has everything, is the chance to be a blessing to others. So go out there, and look for a cause and advocacy that resonates with yours, or better yet, with the person you are wanting to gift. A donation on their behalf — in cash, or in kind — will most definitely be a gift of positive impact. A catalyst for good change, and one that will be long lasting. Let us aim to be a gift — one that keeps on giving. This season, and beyond. Twenty-nine days till Christmas, everyone!