The Joy of Giving

It was the week before Christmas. I was going to the shopping centre to buy presents for everyone.

The taxi I had ordered seemed to be taking forever to come. Finally it arrived and I was soon at the shops.

Where would I go first? So many presents to buy, so much to see and probably not enough time to get it all done.

My heart pounded as I walked in though the double doors. People; people everywhere, rushing about bumping into each other. The race was on to buy everything in sight! Never mind, I would take it slowly and enjoy myself, remembering the real meaning of Christmas.

Looking around me, everything was so wonderful, the colours, the smells, the sights. This year the decorations were particularly beautiful. Hanging from the ceiling were gigantic banners displaying the twelve days of Christmas in the most vibrant seasonal colours. Christmas trees decorated with brightly coloured baubles and ornaments, shimmering tinsel and sparkling lights all around me.

Everywhere, children were trying to decide what Santa Clause would bring them. Little faces full of excitement and wonder, as they ran from one toy to the next, bewildered by the choices set before them. Watching them my heart was deeply saddened as I realised for some of the at least, the true meaning of this precious season was lost.

Christmas smells surrounded me, the fragrant smell of candles, fruity and spicy, mingled with the smells of coffee, chocolate, perfume, nuts and cakes filled the air.

As I walked further on, I noticed a crowd beginning to gather and went to take a closer look. At first I couldn’t see the notice, then somebody pointed it out to me. The Coca-Cola Choir were going to preform there in half an hour. So I waited.

There was a stand set up next to the stage and some girls were preparing cups of Coca-Cola and mince pies to be handed out during the performance.

I was glad I had stayed. The choir were fantastic, very professional, with voices like angels. They sang songs which were both traditional and modern. My eyes filled up as I entered into the spirit of worship and joy surrounding that little corner.

I was truly elated as I left to finish my shopping. One more present to buy then I’d be on my way home to my family, looking forward to Christmas Eve, where all the presents would be wrapped waiting under the tree, to be opened by the children on Christmas morning.

Then, comes the best part of all, when at the crack of dawn the sound of tiny footsteps and shouts of joy, awaken you from your sleep “Santa’s been come and see what he’s brought us!”

What a wonderful moment that is. That’s the joy of Christmas for me. Giving is a precious gift indeed.

Written by:  Elizabeth Munro