Seven Days of Christmas Songs: Day 3

I really enjoy gifts. I really enjoy opening them on Christmas morning and receiving them from friends and clients throughout the entire holiday season. More so, I enjoy giving them. My group of friends and I don’t exchange gifts, but rather, contribute every year to a charity… but I still bought them gifts (I really REALLY enjoy giving gifts, and have a lot of fun doing it. Christmas is… should be… about giving not receiving).

My family traditions have always been about giving rather than receiving. We never made lists, as any gift was a gift. Asking for something was unheard of, as we appreciated the thought behind any present, no matter what is was. That being said, I do have a favorite…

A few years ago, I opened a card from The Philanthropist and in it was a note saying that he had donated money on my behalf to the local YWCA, so they could share it among all their programs. This was in the height of my materialistic, asshole self but I was so touched and moved that someone was putting others before the materialism, commercialism that has become of this holiday.

Christmas is about giving; it always has been. Please remember that when doing your gifts and stockings this week (almost every grocery store sells their $2 donation slips that fit nicely into a card or stocking). Your friends and family love receiving gifts, and these small donations are the perfect accessory to their new purse or book.

I have heard this song over and over again over the past 20 years, and every time it gives me reason to take pause. From the time I was a small child to today, no matter how bad a person I was, this song has always reminded me of the true meaning of giving, and helped to open my eyes to the world outside “your window”.

I hope you read the lyrics to this song and think about the true meaning of giving. And “Tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you.”

Do they know it's Christmas?

It's Christmastime,

there's no need to be afraid

At Christmastime,

we let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty

we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world

at Christmastime

But say a prayer, pray for the other ones
At Christmastime it's hard,

but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window,
and it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing
is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there
are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them
instead of you

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows
No rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Here's to you raise a glass for everyone
Here's to them underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world

Feed the world

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmastime again

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again.

(Lyrics by: Midge Ure and Bob Geldof)

*********************************

Special thanks to The Halfaneese for buying The Boyfriend & I a goat that was sent to a needy village this year. Thanks also to the great clients and friends who have donated to causes and charities in my honor. It truly is an honor, and the pleasure is all mine.