Santa's Not So Little Helper

Tea: Black Fruit

Music: Veggie Tales, "Angels We Have Heard on High"

Time: Night.

My family has long been into making Christmas gifts.

Four-fifths of my family, that is. Until this year, I've been the lone exception. The last time I made a Christmas present for anyone, I wasn't even old enough for a learner's permit. But for the first time in decades, there's going to be a bit of me under a few Christmas trees.

And you know what? I'm loving it.

Part of it is that I know I'm giving something nobody else can. But mostly, I've discovered that doing things this way -- and participating in the selection process for the family's other homemade presents -- has helped me be more aware that giving any gift should be about more than "I have an obligation and a credit card. Time to hit the mall."

I'm not advocating the overthrow of the retail system. But as harried as Christmas seasons always are -- with programs, traffic and the like -- this one feels merrier than it has in a long time.

Now, the challenge is to carry that over to the rest of the year -- to look for ways to give of myself, not just give stuff. Here's hoping ...