Christmas gifts come in many different packages

My friend Linda Brinkworth and I have a standing date on Mondays and Fridays at North Park Mall.

We walk and we talk and sometimes manage a little shopping. Last week after finishing our walk, we stopped at the bakery to replenish any calories we might have burned. Just outside we watched children having their pictures taken with Santa Claus. Because there is a lot of “child” in both of us, we opted to sit on Santa’s lap for a photo. Alas, when that didn’t work, we settled for snuggling up on either side of him. Friendship is a year-round gift and something I do not take for granted.

Other gifts come during the season. In December, The American Spirit Dance Company from Oklahoma City University invites the community to a production of “Home for the Holidays.” It is the creation of OCU’s Jo Rowan and John Bedford and their staffs. Talented students dance to music — from “Jingle Bells” to “Hallelujah!” It is a joyful way to celebrate the season.

Gifts also can come on ordinary days and from unexpected places. A few weeks ago, my friend Gene and I were walking into a community event when a young woman came up beside me and whispered, “Did you know you have a curler in your hair?” I’d forgotten I’d run home after work, and in getting ready for the evening I decided that one spot could use a lift, thus the curler. However I’d forgotten to remove it — and Gene hadn’t noticed it! I will be forever grateful to Whitney Tatum at Eventures for her gift of kindness.

Merry Christmas 2017!

Charlotte Lankard is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice. Contact her at clankard@oklahoman.com.