Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
The (reformed) Grinch, in the words of Dr. Seuss, was on to the magic of Christmas.
We all feel pressure to buy the right gifts for our loved ones, to spend more money than planned or to insure that stockings are overflowing.
There’s nothing wrong with those impulses, as long as you remember the sentiments may not be the ones that make each December’s spirit last well into the new year.
How can you give something that is measured in the heart and not via overwhelming stacks of presents?
For some families, that might mean designating one Secret Santa for each family member, with suggested budget guidelines. For others, perhaps no presents beyond the stocking is the way to go. Or, best of all, how about giving to those who are less fortunate and will not be receiving any presents, via Toys for Tots or a similar organization in your neighborhood?
Who better to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas but Peanuts creator Charles Schulz: Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.