OUR COUNTY
D. GARY DAVIS
COUNTY MAYOR
A New Christmas Gift List
A quotation making the rounds on the Internet says, "Christmas is weird. What other time of year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?" That line may make you chuckle but unfortunately the true meaning of Christmas is often overshadowed by the glitter. The hustle and bustle of the season can leave us fretting and anxious instead of singing Joy to the World.
To a large extent, Christmas has drifted far from its religious roots. Instead, the holiday has been hijacked by corporate America and used as an excuse to sell their latest wares. Massive traffic jams, packed shopping malls, and lines stretching around the block have become hallmarks of Christmas. Ad campaigns for holiday sales can lead to pandemonium as shoppers are knocked down and trampled in their frantic efforts to buy the latest gadget.
Each year, it seems, the Christmas season starts before Halloween and comes with even more enticements to debt, as retailers and credit-card companies try to convince us that our love for friends and family is gauged by how much we spend on gifts.
However, I suggest this is a good time to reflect upon the distinction between what we want and what we need or what we give instead of what we get.
Many people simply need to be loved, listened to, or appreciated. The true value of a gift isn’t necessarily measured by its price tag. In fact some of the most precious gifts cost nothing at all… and can be life changing.
I’m speaking of gifts that cost us nothing but are priceless in value and make a great impact upon the recipient. Such as; *Passing on a compliment. *Not passing on an insult… even when it was very witty. *An encouraging word for someone trying something new. *Taking time to listen. *Talking to someone you've been taught to ignore such as a person of a different race, or a homeless person. *Helping an elderly neighbor or a single mom. *Speaking up when someone makes an abusive or inaccurate comment. *Staying calm under attack, and venting your anger somewhere else. *Taking the time to research a rumor, then spreading the facts to counter it. *Returning good for evil. *Passing on information about job openings, or other opportunities, *Buying from companies that you know return a fair amount of their profits to their workers in wages and benefits. *Giving a word of praise to someone whose efforts may have been overlooked. *Voting. *Paying attention to what is happening around your neighbors' house while they're away. *Doing jury duty. *Speaking up for someone whose character is being insulted. *Getting involved in your local neighborhood association or community council. *Working to make sure the needs of everyone in the community are addressed… not just the folks with the most money. *Tutoring a child. *Giving accurate directions when a stranger asks for them.
These are just a few gift ideas that could make a lasting impact upon someone’s life and bring joy to the giver. This holiday season consider how our community would be affected if everyone looked for opportunities to give someone a life-changing gift for Christmas?
On behalf of Bradley County Government, I wish every citizen a safe, healthy and happy Christmas. It is an honor to serve Bradley County and I am again thankful this Christmas for the trust you place in me. From my family to you and your family, Merry Christmas!