The Season of Giving....and Presents!

It's that time of year again - Christmas, the season of giving.....and presents!

Everyone looks forward to opening their gifts. We've been eyeing them, shaking them, debating if we should peek at them. The excitement is growing as we get closer and closer to the day we can rip into them!

Stop! Don't touch that present yet!
Excuse me, I've been waiting long enough!

I know, but I would like you to wait for one moment.
Alright, what is it?

Before you open your presents I would like you to humor me for a minute by taking a moment to use your imagination.
My imagination?! What on earth for?

Just listen to me for a second and close your eyes.
Ok, but this better be good.

Alright then. Think of the person you are receiving the gift from and picture him/her in your head.
Ok, I'm picturing.

Now imagine this person driving to the store. They get out of the car and walk into the store; in their hand is a list of people that they are buying gifts for. Your name is on the list. Do you see your name?
Yes, I see it.

This person is wandering the store thinking about you and trying to figure out what to get for you. Do you see them looking?
Yes.

After some time of looking, and some frustration, they pick something that they think you might like. They buy it and take it home. They pick out the wrapping paper, and with care, wrap it up and place the tag on the gift with your name on it. Do you see them wrapping your gift? Do you see the time, the effort and the thought that they put into finding you this gift?
They did put a lot of time into it.

Now, I have one last question to ask you. Please think very carefully before you answer.

What do you appreciate more - the gift, or the person who gave it to you?

Your answer here:__________