It's all about giving

My favorite thing about the holidays is definitely the giving part of it. I laugh every night that we listen to a Ray Charles Christmas CD and one of the songs says:

Cause Christmas time
is really more than givin'.
It's spreading all the news of peace and love.
Christmas time
is all about receiving.
The gift that god has sent from up above.

The last line of that verse though is always lost when we listen to it (I don't know how we don't hear it and when I looked up the lyrics, it all made sense), but then Tom and I have the same conversation over and over about how we disagree with Ray. Ha... There is no greater joy than giving to people that I love, hence the fact that I bought Tom 19 gifts for Christmas. I know... those are material things, but the definition of "gifts" this time of year is more than the presents under the tree. I would much rather give than receive. I'm funny like that.

Tuesday, Tom and I are volunteering at the homeless shelter in downtown Columbus. Talk about giving... They have a big Christmas party there every year for the homeless families of Columbus. We'll spend the morning getting things ready (gifts wrapped for the kids, essentials for the parents , etc.) and then we'll work the evening party. Last year I think there were over 400 people in attendance. I've heard from others that it's an amazing experience and Tom and I are both really excited to be a part of it. I'm hoping to make it an annual tradition. :)

I keep reminding myself that the best way to live my life is selflessly. If I can give to others, be it my time, my love, my friendship or **gasp** "things", I'll come out a better person in the end. And at times when I'm feeling a little selfish ('cause I'll admit... I have the last day or so for a stupid reason), I just need to remember that it's all about giving!