First, let me just say I’ve loved all the holiday gift guides gracing the Internet this month. There are gift guides for him, gift guides for her, gift ideas for travelers, entrepreneurs, and fashionistas. And almost all of them are the “ultimate gift guide.”

My love language isn’t gift-giving. I’m not good at it. I never know what to get people. Confession time: I still don’t know what I’m going to get Seth (and if you have any ideas for me there, I’d love to hear them). So I find these holiday gift guides genuinely helpful.

This week, I was going to write a gift guide of my own. But then, I figured there are probably enough traditional gift guides out there right now. And maybe you’ve already finished your Christmas shopping for this year (or, hopefully you’re at least getting close).

And you know what? When you’re loving your bestie or significant other or whoever it is this Christmas season, the gift you choose for them isn’t the most important thing. Shocker, right? Gifts do mean more to some people than to others, but you can give your loved ones something even better than the perfect Christmas present.

You can give them the gift of your presence.

Be present with your loved ones this Christmas. Show your boyfriend or husband or sister or friends or whoever you’re with that you’re truly there. You’re not more interested in your phone. You’re not wishing you were somewhere else. You’re there, with them, because you want to be there with them. You’re present with them because you love them. You’re present with them physically, and also in your heart and mind.

Sweet friend, if you struggle with being present with your loved ones, you’re not alone. Most of us do. I did a poll on Instagram, and 92% of you said you’ve had trouble being present with people from time to time. I’m absolutely in that majority. I’m a notorious daydreamer. I can get caught up in my thoughts and completely forget about who I’m with and what is going on around me in the present moment.

But please… cherish that present moment. Each present moment is a gift from God, beautiful and unique and brimming with opportunity. Life is made up of hundreds and thousands of these beautiful (and not-so-beautiful) moments. Don’t leave behind your chance to live them out.

The Christmas season is especially an important time to be present with those you love. For many of us, holidays bring memories of loved ones who’ve passed, and it can be a really difficult time. But drawing back from the other people in your life doesn’t help. Drawing together is where we can find strength. We were created to live in community with others.

So be present this Christmas. Sure, try and find nice gifts for your loved ones, but more than that, show them you are with them. Show them you are present. Show them you care, you love them, and there’s no place you’d rather spend the holidays than at their side.

And never forget… you are onederfully created.

Love,
Becca