IT'S THE SMALL THINGS Christmas is the season of giving, and to be quite honest, I have always found joy in gifting others. There is an unparalleled and indescribable joy in knowing that you have made someone smile. Most of the time, it does not take a lot. Complimenting someone truthfully, for instance, can sometimes even matter more than a pricey store-bought gift. In other words, giving does not always have to be material. In fact, a lot of the times, the intangible gifts are those which matter most. I have always believed that in giving we receive so much more. Whether it is our time that we choose to share with special people through a Christmas dinner, or simply a quick catch up, priceless moments turned into memories are gifts that last a lifetime. Wrapping paper and bows are always pretty and a thrill to receive, yes, but a lot of the times, more than what is inside the actual present, seeing the amount of thought and effort someone put into making sure a package looks pretty is enough to make me feel special and loved. After all, the underlying message of any material gift is knowing that you are important enough to someone to make them think about you – enough to make you a part of their holiday. In giving, we share a part of ourselves with others. And being in a position to be able to gift others is already the biggest blessing in and of itself. Whether we are looking at this from an economic point of view, or an emotional one (where you have to genuinely be in a good place to be able to be happy for others), just being in a place sufficient enough to give to others is already a privilege in and of itself. We oftentimes underestimate the mental state we have to be in for kindness to flow naturally. But simply by having the capacity to offer someone help means that we are in a state that enables us to lend a hand which, in itself, is a true gift. A lot of the times, it is exciting to be on the receiving end of gift-giving, but, it can be equally exciting to be on the giving end if you choose for it to be. Allow yourself the chance to enjoy the opportunity, and try to always see the good that comes out in being a giver. Of course, we must never give more than what is within our means, and that we are capable of, but I do believe that what we share and manifest will always come back to us a thousand, and if we are extra blessed, a million fold. So whether it is Christmas or not, if we have the capacity to do so, then let us always find a way to share our blessings. This, I believe, is what truly places us on a pedestal and gives us a position of privilege that is most sought after. Lastly, let this be a reminder to us to give because we want to, and because there is love, and not because we are expecting recognition, or anything in return. I have always believed that the universe will give back to us the forces and energy that we put out there, and this is a perfect example of a situation which does (and will do) just that.