By JACQUELINE LUCERO

As the holidays draw near, we often find ourselves swept up in the excitement of finding the perfect gifts for those we hold dear. The search for something special can feel like a quest to show our love, gratitude, and care. Yet, amid the glittering decorations and enticing advertisements, we sometimes forget that the most meaningful gifts are not always wrapped in paper or tied with ribbons. 

This season of giving offers us a chance to pause and reflect on what our loved ones truly need. It might not be the latest gadget or a beautifully packaged item from a store. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer is our time, our care, or our understanding. Imagine the difference it could make if we took a moment to ask those closest to us what would truly help them feel supported and loved this year. 

For many, the holidays bring a mix of joy and financial strain. While festive lights twinkle and carols fill the air, there are those quietly worrying about bills, rent, or other responsibilities. Offering practical help can be a profound expression of love. Covering a utility bill, helping with rent, or contributing to a car payment might not seem glamorous, but these gestures can provide relief and peace of mind. They remind the people we care about that they are not alone and that their well-being matters deeply to us.  

For some, this season carries an added weight as they recover from the aftermath of recent typhoons. The storms may have left behind damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, or mounting expenses for repairs and essentials. In moments like these, love can take the form of practical support that helps rebuild not just walls and roofs but also hope and stability. Offering to assist with the cost of repairs, replacing lost belongings, or even contributing to a fund for future recovery can ease a burden that feels overwhelming. These acts of kindness remind our loved ones that even in the face of hardship, they are surrounded by people who care deeply for their wellbeing. 

Sometimes, the most treasured gift is not something bought but something shared. The gift of time is immeasurable in its worth. Parents who spend their days juggling work, children, and holiday preparations might yearn for an evening to rest. A warm, homecooked meal delivered with love could brighten someone’s day in ways a store-bought gift never could. Even a quiet conversation over a cup of coffee can be an act of kindness that leaves an indelible mark. 

There are also moments people need help they might never voice. Perhaps they feel overwhelmed or are too shy to ask. This is when love requires us to look beyond what is said and notice what is unspoken. A friend struggling to keep their home organized may need help tidying up. Someone facing the season with a heavy heart may just need a listening ear. The beauty of love is that it allows us to offer without judgment, to act without expecting anything in return. 

When we give in this way, our gifts transcend the physical. They become symbols of connection, of a bond that says, “I see you, I understand you, and I am here for you.” A gift from the heart does not need to be expensive or elaborate. It only needs to be thoughtful and sincere. These are the gifts that linger in memory long after the decorations are packed away and the holiday season has passed. 

The holiday season also reminds us of the power of community. While we often focus on giving to those closest to us, it is also a time to reach out to our neighbors, friends, and even strangers who might be in need. Communities come alive during the holidays, from groups organizing relief drives for typhoon survivors to individuals donating their time to serve meals for the less fortunate. These acts of collective kindness create a ripple effect, spreading the warmth and joy of the season far beyond our immediate circles. 

Christmas is family sitting together, sharing a meal prepared with love and care, also friends laughing over cups of steaming coffee, their hearts lighter because of the connection they share. These are the moments that define the holidays—not the glitter of decorations or the price tags on gifts, but the feeling of being seen, valued, and cherished. 

As we enter this season of giving, let us remember that love is not found in the extravagance of what we buy but in the intention behind what we give. To offer care, to meet a need, to lighten a burden—these are gifts that carry the true spirit of the holidays. They remind us that we are connected, that we are here to support one another, and that the greatest joys are often found in the simplest acts of kindness.