Why do we give gifts at Christmas?

Lord, have mercy, imagine that Christmas just went the other day and it's Christmas time again! No, no, I'm not taking the Lord's name in vain as some might think. There are many persons in our society who are asking the Lord to show them mercy at this time of the year because expectations are high and funds to meet these expectations are very low.

Children are looking to unemployed parents for Christmas gifts, elderly parents are looking to their grown children for gifts. Husbands and boyfriends are expected to treat their special ladies to the best, and vice versa.

Christmas can certainly be the most distressing and miserable time of the year for many individuals. To make matters worse this year, many employees will neither be collecting their usual bonus cheques nor gift vouchers. Christmas parties have been scaled down or cancelled. The prices of some special items have been increased. All this is due to the current economic climate.

Lord, have mercy! Does this mean that we cannot have an enjoyable Christmas? Certainly not! With a little tweaking of the outlook, attitude, expectations, this could be one of the most glorious experiences this year. Glory to God in the highest!

A tradition

Why do we give gifts at Christmas anyway? In Christianity, this practice dates back to the time when gold, frankincense and myrrh were given to baby Jesus by the wise men who visited Him from the east. The tradition became even more popular at the beginning of the modern era which saw many countries making gift giving a regular part of the Christmas celebrations.

Gifts are given at Christmas time for various reasons. In some cases, it is a way of celebrating the Christian holy day - the birth of Christ. In others, it is a special time to express love and appreciation to family and friends. Gift giving at this time of the year is also used to manipulate others. The gold ring given in December is expected to pay high dividends in January. If payback is not forthcoming, prepare to hear, "Please return my ring or else!"

People give gifts at this time of the year for some of the strangest and most unreasonable reasons. How do we deal with the pressure to give and the pleasure of receiving? Share your thoughts.

Undue pressure

As you know, this column advocates giving more than anything else. However, we would not suggest that persons put themselves under undue pressure at Christmas time to buy gifts despite the bombardment of advertisements for phones, clothing, furniture, household appliances, toys, gadgets, jewellery and Christmas specials to help brighten the holidays.

Some of the best things we can give do not have monetary value. They are priceless, and can be appreciated by everyone. Volunteering our time and energy for the benefit of others - especially the needy - is priceless. Some of us could comb or trim the hair of an elderly person who can't do this for him/herself, contribute time to The Salvation Army or help to serve meals at a facility for the homeless. We could even volunteer to wrap charity presents, even though we are not able to purchase one ourselves.

Our uncles, aunts, parents or grandparents in nursing homes may not remember our tangible gifts but they will always remember that Christmas gift of your presence. Spending time with the ones you love is one of the best ways to make Christmas special.

Visiting and praying with a sick friend, relative or neighbour is a million-dollar gift not sold in the shop. So while we seek God's mercy to help us make it through the rigours of life, especially at Christmas time, let us show mercy to others, especially at this time of the year. There could be no better gift.

Here are some acts of mercy as a guide:

• Feed the hungry;
• Give drink to the thirsty;
• Clothe the naked;
• Shelter the homeless;
• Visit the sick;
• Visit those in prison;
• Instruct the ignorant;
• Counsel the doubtful;
• Admonish the sinner;
• Comfort the sorrowful;
• Forgive injuries;
• Bear wrongs patiently;
• Pray for others.

Until next time, have a great Christmas and remember: blessed are the merciful.

Silton Townsend, better known to Jamaican as Maas Gussie, is an actor and charity activist.

THANKS TO THESE NEIGHBOURS

1. Sisters Harvey and Audrey, from Brooklyn, New York, for items shipped to neighbours.

2. Samantha, St Catherine, for offering a mattress.

3. The processors of Miss Lucy's Cassava Starch for a kind donation.

4. Be Inspired Ministries for its kind donation to needy neighbours.

5. Mr Fearon, St Catherine, for donation of adult diapers.

6. Cheryl, St Andrew, for offering a mattress.

7. Sandra for offering financial assistance to Zelma to help with her cancer treatment.

8. Ms Hunter for offering to assist the Menzies couple whose three children are still unable to walk!

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP NEIGHBOURS

1. Ms Johnson, St Catherine, unemployed: needs a sewing machine to help with income generation.

2. Neighbour, aged 84: needs a dresser.

3. Mr Archer, St Catherine, asthmatic: affected by an infection; desperately in need of financial assistance to purchase medication.

4. Adassa: attending to a son who is disabled; she is unemployed and is appealing for help with food.

5. Kendice, St Mary, mother of two girls: her children's father died - needs a mattress and a dresser.

6. Mr Davis, senior citizen, St Catherine: needs a pair of tested glasses but unable to afford it.

7. Carmen, St Andrew: needs a wheelchair for 84-year-old father.

8. Audrey, St James: unemployed mother of two needs help to rear chickens.

9. Hanchard: unemployed after falling and hurting a leg; needs a stove to bake for a living.

10. Hazel, St Andrew: her 14-year-old son, whose father has died, needs clothing and size-11 shoes.

Call 906-3167, 884-3866, 373-7745 or 299-3412. You may also email neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the link-up. Those who desire to help us with our financial obligations may make deposits to account 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. (bank-routing password: JNCBJMKX); or send donations to Hello Neighbour, c/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10.