I have pondered this question. I kept coming up with the same answer. I read y'alls responses and thought it might change my answer. It didn't. I keep coming back to Memaw's Gifts of Love poem. Love is the perfect gift. Love. It's free. It spreads. It makes a dramatic difference when you share it with all you meet. Written Christmas 1969 by Mae Reid Hyden.
As we celebrate Christmas in many ways, some memorable and some no credit to the love portrayed, there is a story that does picture the love shown on Christmas Day.
Shortly before Christmas last year my eighty-year-old mother was in her cozy kitchen busy with Christmas wrap and ribbon wrapping gifts for all to choose.
Within each box so gaily wrapped there was nothing but emptiness. Empty of all earthly things, but full of love fit for a king.
They were full of love as many years past when the Lord sent His son to guide our path. Not love like the modern flower children, sex or earthly things, but love of giving to everyone, friend or foe. Love so understanding and enduring of human ways, be they good or bad.
When I came home and looked under the tree there were gifts of pure love for you and me. I asked Mama Reid, "For whom all the gifts could be?" She said, "They are filled with love for all to choose." So I reached down wanting to fill my arms to the brim. Instead, I took one, one that symbolized to me such great love abundantly given by Mama Reid all these years.
So at this Christmas season I would like to give Gifts of Love to our friends both far and near like my Mama Reid who is so dear.
So as I keep pondering the perfect Christmas gift, this is my answer. Memaw gives love unconditionally. She has taught me what joy she receives from giving so much. What better gift? Well, other than the gift of life (Sharri, thanks for that realization!), the gift of love is the best. I plan on giving love to all I meet, now and in the future.
Memaw, Thank you for teaching me how important one simple thing is. In all of your years teaching, I know I am not the first one you have shown the importance of love and I am sure I won't be the last, but I am thankful I learned. I love you and look forward to you spending Christmas day with us!