We are a small family - mom, brother, sister, 2 nieces and, of course, me. We are, except for one niece, in close proximity, spending time together all year long, either on the phone or in person, when we can. Because of this, there is no need for regret, for don't we already spend the entire year giving to each other?

Small or large, favor or specific thing, we've been celebrating gift giving all our lives, for no other reason than to give. Isn't the point of gift giving the joy it creates when you see the smile of surprise and appreciation on the receiver's face? Why do we have to relegate that joy to specific days on the calendar? I'd like to think that I can impart that joy at ANY time of year, be it Christmas, Chanukah, a birthday, an anniversary, regardless of cost of the gift!

I receive the most precious of gifts every day of my life. I have a family I love, which returns that love. I have a best friend with whom I'd entrust my life. I have a job I enjoy, even when the job gets a bit rough. When it does I have colleagues who can make me laugh, making tolerable those "bad" work days.

I have a sense of being that at times is so intense my skin tingles. I like to laugh and I like to sing and I like to cry. I love picking up little geegaws and dodads here and there for whomever I think will enjoy them ~~ a book for my niece, a special tool for my brother, a novelty lighter for my sister. And there is the time we just spend together... sharing our hurts, our fears, our dreams.

THESE are the gifts of which I speak. And I am no less receiver than giver. My yuletide stocking is always full, so you see, there really is no need of, nor room for, regret.