Well the festive season is upon us again!

We are again confronted by the usual madness that seems to infect Christian based societies this time of year.

Let’s eat, drink, spend and be merry as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of that large, red cheeked gentleman from the North Pole dressed in that hard to miss red suit and his rather large sack of goodies. Ho ho ho!

The rampant and manic consumerism that pervades this time of year seems to have attained epic proportions no doubt fuelled by desperate retailers who have just experienced what can only be described as a couple of years of retail hell!

Traditionally Christmas is a time of giving (nothing wrong with that). Yet we all feel the pressure of expectation from those (particularly children) close to us who at least to our observations seek to measure their value to us comensurate with the size and expense of the gift that we give them.

Without wanting to sound like the Grinch who stole Christmas (because after-all it is nice to celebrate the conclusion of yet another year and to toast our successes and to forgive our failures) it would be nice if we got back to basics. For me personally this time of year can be a great opportunity for me to take stock of my life and to appreciate those close and not so close to me and to truly appreciate a world full of possibility and opportunity.

It is a time for family, friends, communities and nations to take a break from the relentless rat race and pursuit of power to appreciate life in all its glory. After all regardless of race, creed, religion or ideology we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. We all share to lesser or greater extents the joy and the sadness that this mortal existence offers us.

So maybe instead of focussing on buying bigger and better presents this year and going broke in the process why not give some love, compassion and gratitude to all fellow human beings we come into contact with over the next couple of weeks. These gifts cost us nothing and can have beneficial impacts on many levels. One act of love or compassion now can have an impact for  a whole life time not only for the recipient but also for the giver.

What will your gift be this Christmas?