Santa: Why We Give Gifts


Ho ho ho! Now, as the jolly old fellow who fills the stockings and stuffs the sleigh, I think I'm just the right Santa to answer a question children sometimes ask me. "Santa," they say, "why do we give presents at Christmas in the first place?" And oh, what a wonderful question that is. Let me tell you.


It all goes right back to our story. Because Christmas, at its very heart, is about a gift. The greatest gift ever given. On that first Christmas, the world received hope, and love, and the promise that nobody need ever feel alone again — all wrapped up in a tiny baby in a manger. That, my friends, was the first and finest Christmas present of all.


And then came the wise men, remember? They traveled all that long, long way, following the star, and when they finally arrived, what did they do? They opened their treasures and gave gifts. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They gave because they were overjoyed, because they loved, because their hearts were so full that giving was the only thing that made sense.


So you see, when we give presents at Christmas, we're really following in some very fine footsteps. We give because gifts were given. We give because love, when it fills up your heart, simply has to spill out and bless somebody else. Giving is just love, my friends, with its sleeves rolled up.


Now, old Santa loves giving gifts more than just about anything in the whole world. Filling those sacks, loading that sleigh, slipping down chimneys to leave a little surprise — it's the joy of my life! But here's the thing I've learned in all my many, many years of doing it. The gifts that matter most aren't always the ones that come in shiny paper.


Some of the very best gifts can't be wrapped at all. Your time. Your patience. Your kindness. A listening ear for someone who's lonely. A helping hand for someone who's struggling. A warm welcome for someone who feels left out. Forgiveness for someone who needs a second chance. These are gifts too, my friends — and often they're the ones that matter the very most.


The wise men gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But I'd wager that what truly delighted that little family wasn't the treasure at all. It was that these travelers cared enough to come. That they crossed the whole world to be present. Their greatest gift was simply showing up with love in their hearts.


So this Christmas, by all means, wrap up some presents and watch the faces light up — there's real joy in that, and Santa heartily approves! But don't forget the gifts that have no wrapping. Be generous with your kindness. Be generous with your time. Be generous with your love.


Because that, my friends, is what giving was always truly about. We give because we were first given to. Pass it on, and watch how the joy comes right back around to you.


Merry Christmas, everyone! Ho ho ho! https://santaclaus.top/why-we-give-gifts/

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