‘Truly a mindful endeavor’

May I thank Ceres Doyo for a very thoughtful article on mindfulness (“Mindfulness at Christmas,” Opinion, 12/25/14). Having reached that point in my life where I no longer feel the need to buy expensive presents or to wrap gifts myself to make sure every fold and crease are in place (I have since delegated the task to the gift-wrapping section of our local mall), I have finally enjoyed my first-ever stress-free Christmas since becoming an adult. Not that I have nothing else to do—I bake for my pastry cafe and manage it at the same time—but because I have gone back to looking at Christmas for what it really is: a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior and share its essence with those we love.

 When my children were little, I wanted each Christmas to be perfect. Being a self-confessed OC (obsessive-compulsive) personality, I made sure everything was in place.  The whole family would be wearing new clothes, gifts should be expensive, the house should be adorned with shiny new decors, noche buena must have a theme and presents must be given on time.  But somewhere along the way I got so tired physically and emotionally, and it made me realize that I was going about things the wrong way. So when I read Doyo’s  article, it sort of hit the proverbial nail on the head.  Truly, Christmas is not about the trappings.  The best gifts we can give are those not found in stores.  The gift of self—the time and care we give to family and friends—is the best gift we can give on Christmas day.  Imagine, if people would only go back to making gifts themselves or redefine gift-giving as not having to spend so much just to show appreciation of someone or be appreciated in return, but rather to give something of themselves, we wouldn’t have to endure the monstrous traffic jams we have come to expect during the holidays! Families would stay indoors more and spend more time rekindling relationships and realigning values without feeling the pressure of having to impress others with new things.  I tell you, the best gifts I ever got were from my kids and nieces who, through the years, have scribbled countless notes and letters on pad paper with their cute little fingers complete with drawings done in earnest, telling me I’m the best mom in the world (what kid doesn’t say that to his or her mom?) or that they love me very much. All the other presents have come and gone, but these simple treasures remain in my drawer… better still, in my heart.

God bless you Ceres for the gift of thought put in words… truly a mindful endeavor.

 Have a happy Christmas!

—AV TOMAS,
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