Holiday Returns

January 2nd, 2011 Posted in writing

About 30 per cent of this year’s Christmas gifts will be returned to the store because their recipients decided they were the wrong size, the wrong color, or wrong style. From the crowds I saw making returns in the stores last week, I think the percentage is higher than that.

Taking things back may common today, but when I grew up, gifts were simply accepted. If they weren’t what you wanted, you adapted and found a use for them anyway, especially if they came from close relatives. Taking them back showed a lack of appreciation not just for the gifts, but for the givers.

What about the biggest Gift of the season — Jesus himself? Do we secretly wish we could exchange him for something we like more, something that fits our taste or style better? Is he a gift we accept and treasure, especially as we come to understand what he teaches and asks of us — or is he part of the 30 per cent that goes back?

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