December, the month of festive lights, gift giving and receiving.

No matter what I receive, the giver of the gift is more precious than the gift itself.

The smile on their face as my eyes alight on their bestowal is the true gift and I realize that material gifts—as fun and ever-lovely, beautiful, or even costly they may be—cannot hold a candle (no pun intended) to the love I receive from the giver.

So, I ask myself, what do I choose to give this month and the many months ahead, more than material gifts?

As I envision what that may be, what comes to mind is kindness, caring, understanding smiles and laughter, appreciation, friendship, heart-to-heartness, empathy, compassion, creativity and whatever true love dictates.

Those gifts already come packaged in my heart through my eyes and truthfulness. And when I receive those gifts I become more than before.

What a wonderful time to be reminded that we have the most wonderful gifts to give and are willing to receive this holiday season and beyond.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Wonderful Kwanzaa.
 
Rochelle
Hospitality Director Lupin Lodge