A cool and warm Christmas

M: How does one celebrate Christmas in a grand way without spending too much amid all this commercialization? Simple. Do not think of Christmas as a time to gift yourself or others with expensive presents but be present in the lives of family and friends. Although gifts are surely appreciated, gestures of love do not always have to do with giving things. Visit your parents; have coffee (and cake) with a friend whom you have not spent time with; do something nice for your officemates; be kind to strangers in need; smile... Celebrating in a grand way need not be costly. DJ: I know of a couple of singles who just want to survive the holidays. You know, just go into this get-it-done mode and plow through a todo list and then give a big sigh of relief on Dec. 31 when it’s all over. I was that way too for two years, until I realized that I was missing something meaningful. What could have been special memories simply came and went, even loved ones, leaving me tired and unfulfilled after the season. Then I figured I wasn’t really getting any younger. Something had to be done differently. M: More than ever this Christmas, I want nothing more but good health for all my family and friends. My prayer is always for healing not just of mind, body and spirit, but also for healing of relationships and healing for our nation. When we have too much, the tendency is sometimes we forget what is essential. Yes, it is good to be materially blessed but it is better if those who have much will share with those who have less in life. And to share does not mean giving them what you no longer use or need or want. DJ: I noticed that more people these days long for a meaningful celebration and here is my suggestion to kick things off: deliberately do a good deed every day from this reading till the end of the month. It can even be a daily habit as part of one’s 2018 resolution. When we look around us, it’s not difficult to see people in need—physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. Sometimes, we really need not go very far. We can say sorry to family or friends we’ve hurt, or reach out to loved ones whom we’ve become distant with. Writing off a workmate’s debt is also not a bad idea for a holiday surprise. In one way or the other, we all yearn to be wholly present, not just the glitzy, holly presents, to experience the fullness of the season. M: It will be good to remember that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. I read something on Facebook that said that it’s Jesus’ birthday and not yours so stop asking him for gifts and give him a gift instead. It is better to give than to receive. But if you receive, appreciate not just the gift but the giver. Most of all, take this time to thank the Giver of Life for allowing us to experience life in a grand way. Merry Christmas! DJ: The season is a cool time to connect with people we care about. Get together; strengthen bonds; laugh, talk. Christmas is also a great time to give back, particularly to those who are high in challenges as they are in hope. Give the gift of living better, kinder, more honest, gentler, with more compassion, forgiveness and love and together surface the real reason of the season: the birth of Christ.