The Season of Giving

At this time of year, we always hear the epitaph that it's better to give than receive. When we're young, we process this information but don't really embrace it.

I can remember when I was in elementary school the happiest day of the fall was the day the Christmas catalog arrived at Grandma's house and she called us to "make our lists." It was like my own version of "Sophie's Choice" flipping through the pages to see what was available, crafting the list, and marking items in order of importance. Then, of course, came the weeks of dreaming and anticipation followed by the Christmas Eve assault on packages bearing my name. That was Christmas.

But as I've gotten older, the focus continues to shift. When it comes time to "make a list" now, it's hard to think of things. Actually, I'm usually more interested in coming up with cool ideas for my family than with trying to figure out what I'll get for myself.

Not that I'm totally selfless. I appreciate all the presents I get and definitely put them to good use. Some of the best books I've read this year were presents under the tree last December, and every time I don one of my Broncos jerseys I can't help but be grateful for those that purchased them. In fact, one of my favorite articles of clothing — my hooded sweatshirt — was a Christmas surprise bestowed by my aunt three years ago. I never thought I'd wear it, then we hit a cold spell and I wore in 24-7 for days at a time.

Still, I think it's a mark of maturity that eventually we become more excited by what we give than what we get. Last Christmas was an example of that; it became one of my favorite Christmas memories.

My mom is hard to shop for, so you have to pretty much ask what she wants and get it. It kind of sucks the surprise out of it. But not last year, when my sister had the novel idea we should head to Solvang for Christmas shopping. It was during one of the most sleep-deprived stretches of my adult life that we headed to the village during a busy holiday shopping weekend.

Once there, we stopped at a quaint little shop because it seemed so lonely and secluded. We looked at the family crest information they provided and moved on. But as the day progressed, for some reason it tugged at both Rachel and I to go back. So we did, and we purchased a crest representing my mom's family.

There was something about the shop that made me think they needed the business, and it seemed like something mom might possibly enjoy. It turned out better than I had imagined, as my mom opened the present on Christmas day and, as she says, missed the rest of the present opening period because she was so emotional. There were a lot of great moments at Christmas, but that was by far the most satisfying.

During this time of year it's easy to focus on what new gadgets and gifts will come into our lives — that's certainly the focus of our culture — but the biggest blessing is what we do for others. I saw a sign out shopping that said "give joy" this Christmas, and I couldn't help but think of that moment last year. Hopefully we'll all find a way to spread joy and cheer this Christmas season.