Gift giving, for me, is...

a very personal transaction. I want to give a gift that the receiver would make or purchase for themselves, and I want the gift to reflect that I know the person well enough to listen to their likes, dislikes, wishes, dreams, wants and needs, throughout the year.

Gift giving at Christmas is often a struggle for me. I feel forced to give gifts that I might not otherwise be proud to give, but I must because it's the expected custom of the season.

If you've found yourself conflicted over gift giving read "The Gift of the Magi." While you may have read it many times, I hope this classic literature piece will touch your heart, as it does mine each year. Click here to read "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry.

I find a great deal of satisfaction in this telling of sacrificial giving. I believe giving of oneself increases the value of a gift exponentially, because its value lies in the hearts of the receiver and giver alike.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!