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INTERNET GRANDFATHERŽ
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MERRY CHRISTMAS Christmas is again a time to think of gifts, tangible and intangible gifts, gifts we give and gifts we receive. During the past year, I've focused especially on gifts we give. At my age, there isn't much I want in a tangible sense and I've learned to be happy with what I have in an intangible sense, so I've tried to think about gifts I can give. I've long thought about little gifts of kindness, a smile, an encouraging word, support for the dreams of others, but this year I've thought more about little tangible gifts. I've discovered that small, thoughtful presents can do a lot to bring cheer to others. I've learned that even the most prosperous people really appreciate a gift that is based on an attempt to understand them, to let them know that you care about them, that you want them to be happy. The kind of gift I'm talking about doesn't need to be expensive. Some of the gifts I've most enjoyed giving cost under $10. The kind of gift I'm talking about can be perishable- a piece of candy can cheer someone up. The kind of gift I'm talking about can cost nothing- taking the time to identify an interesting newspaper article or book that someone won't find for himself can improve someone's day. All that's required for these gifts is a thoughtful concern for other people, the desire to give something that's right for the right person. The great thing about these gifts is that they demand that we stop thinking about ourselves. While we're thinking about others, trying to understand their needs, hoping to improve someone's life, we stop dwelling on our own problems, our own needs, our own wants. And when we succeed in finding the right gift, in improving someone's mood for even an instant, in changing their way of thinking, in giving them encouragement or hope, we've given ourselves the greatest gift we can give. To help others is the greatest gift of all. As happy as I am when I succeed in finding these kinds of gifts, I'm even happier when I see the recipient trying to find the same kind for others in their lives. The best thanks for the gifts I give is to give to others. In that way, my small gifts are multiplied and I gain hope that I'm making a difference. That's the best gift I can receive.
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