Earlier today, I was remembering a commercial that ran a few years ago. It opened with a card that read “The Gift of Time”. The ad was for Kentucky Fried Chicken and about picking up some food from their establishments in order to save the time that it takes to cook dinner. But when I saw and then heard those words, my thoughts went in an entirely different direction. What a perfect present to request! There is no other thing that I would rather ask for or be given this Christmas and every Christmas in the future than the gift of time.
We need time to appreciate each other. We need time to laugh together and enjoy each other’s company. We need time to understand that there is nothing more important than people and loving and helping each other. Barbara Jacoby
I want the gift of time for myself and for every other person who has either been told or has/had fears that their time for life is limited. I want it for every parent who wants more time with a child who is facing a life-threatening illness. I wish for more time for every child who needs it in order to make peace with a parent. And I want more time for every single person who wishes for it.
I know that there are lots of people who are having a very hard time this year at Christmastime because of financial considerations. They are having a hard time paying the mortgage, keeping up with the fancy cars and buying the kids every single thing that they want. There are also those who have lost their jobs and can’t even afford to put food on the table or get their kids a single present. They might not be able to get their families a lot of “stuff” but that doesn’t mean that they can’t appreciate the holidays in so many ways.
All we need is time. We need time to enjoy the holidays. We need time to appreciate each other. We need time to laugh together and enjoy each other’s company. We need time to understand that there is nothing more important than people and loving and helping each other. We need time to recognize that the holidays are there to remind us that we can keep the holiday spirit all year around if we so choose.
So as I sit here tonight watching the Christmas movies, enjoying the beautiful tree that has been up since before Thanksgiving and enjoying the time that I am spending with husband as we share a cocktail and some hors d’oeuvres together, I know that I have exactly what I want. I don’t need a bunch of presents under the tree. I don’t need fancy clothes and holiday parties where everyone is out to impress one another. I know that all that I need is the wonder of the evening that I have right before me and that the spirit of Christmas is already completely evident in my life.
So, my Christmas wish for everyone else in the world is that you know the feeling that I am experiencing tonight. I want for you all to have a wonderful life that is shared with your loved ones and many, many days and nights where you have the time to share the love that you have for one another. I want you to know that “things” don’t matter when you are fortunate enough to share your life and love with those who are nearest and dearest to your heart. And I want you to know that I wish for each of you the most wonderful and awesome gift that you could ever receive and that is the gift of time. Merry Christmas and enjoy every single moment that you are given to share these holidays with those who are nearest and dearest to you. This truly is the season of miracles.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.