And so, it is now Christmas Eve. This is my favorite time of the year.

Why? It isn't the gifts that I get. It hasn't been that for decades, now.

I think I figured out why I love this time of year so much.

Let's say that it's August 13th. Middle of summer. Someone you are acquainted with, comes by and gives you a gift. What do you think?

The usually reaction is, "What? Why is this person giving me a gift? What do they want from me?"

Now, imagine the same scenario but the date is December 23rd. What do you think?

You think, "Oh, they gave me a Christmas present! How nice of them!"

See? It's the one time of the year when someone you barely know can give you something and you don't immediately think they have an ulterior motive other than to spread good cheer and happiness.

That's why I love Christmas. I can give gifts to people that I love, and they know I am giving them because I love them.

As I get older I discover more and more that the true joy of life is in loving others. You don't need a holiday to do that, but only around Christmas is the message of love that comes with the gift truly heard.

As is my tradition, after Christmas, I will give a list of gifts I have given to others that have brought me joy.

It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Merry Christmas
.