You have all probably heard the song made famous by Elvis Presley called Why Cant Everyday be Like Christmas (words & music by Red West). For many of us the Christmas season is a special time to share the warmth of love and laughter with those we love.

The sad thing is that many people find Christmas a very lonely time of year. They have no family left or friends are few and busy with their lives and families of their own. There are many different circumstances that people find themselves in that make Christmas not the happy time that the rest of us enjoy.

Have you ever stopped to wonder what it is that makes Christmas time so special? Is it the gifts? Is it parties? Is it the hustle and bustle of trying to find that perfect something for the one you love?

To be very honest with you, there have been years when I have had plenty of money (not rolling in the dough mind you ) and there were other years that we were just not as fortunate. Those were the hard years when I didnt have the money to go and buy the special gifts for my children. I remember how badly

I felt knowing that their friends were getting the latest toys and I luckily had some gifts given to me from the society for the poor. My point in telling you this is so that you will understand where I am coming from.

I would not like to relive the poor years again, BUT, I did learn a big lesson. Christmas is not in the packages.

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE LOVE THAT IS SHARED.

Love is not something that needs a special day to express itself. Giving love to others is not dependant on your bank account either, nor does it take weeks of your time to prepare for. Love is such a simple gift and yet so easy to give.

A simple smile given to a stranger, or a friendly hellothese are little gifts of love that can be given on a daily basis.

The funny thing about giving freely of love is that it is not like money that diminishes as you use it. No, love actually replenishes itself and grows as you give it unto others. What a wonderful thing love is !

Let us remember to keep the spirit of Christmas with us all through the year and then we can make every day like Christmas for those around us, the rich and poor, the healthy the sickLittle acts of love committed to daily can change your world and those around you.

Yes, everyday can be just like Christmas if we keep the spirit of love and giving of ourselves to others.

Merry Christmas