D-Empress - Contributed

December is a fabulous time to be in South Africa. There are some interesting traditions. It's the height of summer and the rainy season, and most days the intense heat is punctuated by beautiful thunderstorms.

People take a full month off and go home, out of the cities, to spend time with their loved ones. Urban spaces, usually bustling with activity, become tranquil havens of clear roads, no queues and beautiful weather. This welcome lull comes after the frenzied spending sprees on everything from trinkets to groceries for the families 'back home'.

December in South Africa is the time for giving, whether or not you celebrate Christmas. Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, be they shop-bought gifts or heart-made gifts.

Beautiful experience

Gifts bring joy! You see it on people's faces; they smile more and you can literally feel the 'heart-swell' of loving energy. It's a beautiful experience which demonstrates the universal principle of giving and receiving. The energy is palpable. It's a shame we're not able to share the love on a sustained basis.

It's no secret that gift givers are feeling the pinch more than ever this year. The plastic is not so flexible anymore and cash is in short supply. So, inevitably, we are forced to make choices. Buy less and give less? Surely, there's a way we can buy less and give more.

The Jamaican community living in Johannesburg has decided to gather on Boxing Day (December26) and give 'heart-gifts' of love to children in a shelter. The gesture highlights the plight of children whose parents are not there to give them life's heart-gifts.

How is it that so many fall unwittingly into the trap of buying gifts to make themselves and the receivers happy? Will the credit crunch leave you feeling empty or unfulfilled because you weren't able to buy what you'd hoped to give?

Love gifts

It's like eating chocolate - giving gifts gives you a temporary happy high. For many, not being able to give gifts is akin to sucking lemons. How come? What happened to your love gifts? What is the greatest gift parents can give to their children? Love. Yes, but let's scratch beneath the surface; love of, love to, love for; all of the above?

The greatest gift from parent to child is a sense of purpose through service. By using our special gifts, we are able to give endlessly to the world by actively defining our life purpose. Let's not wait till life begins at 40 to claim this gift! Package it, wrap it and unwrap it with your children. The more you give, the bigger it becomes, truly, the greatest gift of all.

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