Focus less on getting, more on giving

The description of Christmas as being the “most wonderful time of the year” may be said by some to be a cliche, but it really can become that way for us, if we embrace the true meaning of the season and look out for one another.

For many, Christmas is a time of excessive consumerism and consumption, to the detriment of the individual in the months and years to follow. However, in our quiet moments of reflection, the aspects of the season that are most treasured are those moments spent in the company of loved ones, or when we are able to brighten others’ lives with acts of kindness.

At this time of the year, individuals, organizations and businesses tend to reach out to the less fortunate, while at the same time, we have an abundance of cultural activities, such as the magnificent Starlift Steel Orchestra 50th anniversary show held last Saturday night, the Police Christmas Carolling Competition and the launch of the Nine Mornings festivities and activities in various communities around the country.

There are many persons among us who are lonely and in need, and undoubtedly, donations by groups and individuals will help in alleviating some of the physical needs of these less fortunate citizens.

Another aspect of generosity which we sometimes do not recognize, however, is the generosity of spirit of the men, women, boys and girls who sacrifice their time, talent and money to delight us at Christmas time with concerts and beautiful displays in our communities. We speak here of people like Jimmy Samuel of Rilland Hill, Olivia DaSilva of Cane End, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band, the organizers and performers at the various Nine Mornings activities and community and church groups.

Coming out early in the morning to participate in Nine Mornings, or in the evening to view the lights at the Botanic Gardens or listen to pan music, beautifully rendered; attending a Christmas programme at church or beholding a village square or home beautifully decorated with lights does wonders for a broken spirit.

May we, this Christmas season, focus less on getting and more on giving, even if all we have to give is our attention or a listening ear to someone close to us. It is only when we give, without expecting anything in return, that we will truely experience the joy associated with this most wonderful time of the year.