Another Kind of Christmas Gift

“Peace on Earth” went out the door when Santa Claus arrived on the scene. You know Santa Claus--that cheery, kind old man who brings joy into the lives of our children. But he’s also responsible for turning Christmas into a frantic, commercial holiday tiring to many of us.

Although Santa Claus was a delightful fantasy to believe in as a child, playing the part as an adult is exhausting. It takes time, money and creative energy to make Christmas the way our children expect it to be.

And we probably don’t have anyone to blame but ourselves for all this extra work and expense.

After all, aren’t we the ones who turn “A Baby’s First Christmas” into a lavish affair? Then why, when our 3-year-olds expect Santa’s yearly visit, are we so surprised at their greedy, selfish behavior on Christmas morning?

Adults, too, are programmed to expect lots of presents. We feel slighted if there isn’t at least one special, well-thought-out gift under the tree for us and are disappointed when we don’t receive Christmas cards from old friends.

The pressure to “give” is on.

Perhaps next Christmas could be happier with fewer expectations. Maybe our families would understand if, instead of frantically running around town trying to find that “perfect” gift, we simply spent that time together.

I wonder if my dear old friends would accept a phone call instead of a Christmas card as a show of my affection? And would it be farfetched to think that my 11-year-old son, Michael, would be just as happy to spend an evening at the movies with Mom than to receive that $100 remote-control car he asked for?

Maybe I’m dreaming. But the most precious gift we have to offer is one we often overlook--our time. Perhaps by giving that forgotten gift next Christmas, we will find peace on Earth, again.

CORY La BIANCA

Logan, Utah

Cory La Bianca is a free-lance writer from Orange County attending graduate school in Utah.