Giving your gift of presence, not presents this Christmas

Last week, the world was shaken with the horrifying news of 20 kids who were slain when a twenty-year old teenager stomped into a school and fired at these young innocent lives who were merely 6 and 7 years old. From that day, these kids will never get to see the sun shine rise, nor will they get to open the presents that have been wrapped for them under the Christmas tree. My heart was completely crushed as I read the news and I can’t imagine how the families of these children must have felt.

That night we said a prayer for the families and I gave Sophie an extra big hug to which she replied,”I like huggies, mummy.” Even though I try to implement a no hugging to sleep rule with Sophie, that night I relented as all I wanted was to hug her tight.

You know the phrase, children spell love, T-I-M-E? In moments like these, it couldn’t be more true. With less than a week to go before Christmas, my little one is looking forward to the presents that she’ll receive. But I’m gifting her with a more meaningful gift. The gift of my presence and not just presents. Not just for Sophie but for my spouse as well.

Why the gift of presence? This gift of presence is a year long, day in-day out gift that will bless your family, not just on Christmas day but 365 days a year. This gift reinforces your love, feelings and affections for them because it’s going to take effort on your part to give them undivided attention when they are with you. That means plugging off from your electronic devices, mobile phones, TV, iPods and tuning into every conversation as you look them in the eye and connect with them.

I’m been guilty of being physically present in the same room as Alexis and Sophie but not connecting with them when I’m engrossed on my handphone. Having a mobile phone that keeps us connected is both a bane and boon. So this Christmas, I’m going to make a conscious effort to keep my mobile away and just focus on being there in the moment for my family.

This holiday season give the best gift you can give to your family by being present. It speaks so much more volume than beautifully wrapped up presents because it’s you they really care bout.