We’ve entered the month of December, and with it is officially the Christmas season, although here in this country many have started early and in their homes the twinkling lights shine and the trees adorn the living rooms.
As this last month of the year arrives, many also become concerned about gifts. Some don’t know what they will give to their relatives and friends, as there are many options. Meanwhile, others have a completely different worry: they do not have the resources to be able to give a Christmas gift to their loved ones.
At some point in life we have all gone through that; perhaps the economic situation isn’t very good or we have had other heavy expenses, but there is no money for the gifts that will be under the little tree.
However, few of us understand that what matters is being with family and close to our loved ones; this may seem like a cliché, but at the end of the day we realize that this is the true value of Christmas.
A few days ago a close person passed away and, after all the funeral services, the rosaries and all, I reflected on how one leaves the world without taking anything with them. Of this person, I used to receive a gift every Christmas, perhaps acquired with a lot of effort, but every year there was something in my hands to open.
Today, as we approach the Christmas season, I know that I will no longer have that gift and that the one I received last year was the last.
Then I think that the presence of a person one values is worth more than what they can give us materially. Perhaps this Christmas Eve I would have preferred to enjoy one of her stories and the conversations she always had.
She won’t arrive at the door punctually as she used to, she won’t scold anyone, she won’t laugh with others, who perhaps, like me, would prefer that she were present even if she didn’t bring gifts.
Every year we let ourselves be carried away by the emotion of wanting to give and make those around us feel good, but a wrapped box is not everything.
A hug perhaps in the future may be more valuable than a tie or a T‑shirt in our closet.
And indeed, according to data, it is projected that Americans will spend around $1,000 on Christmas gifts in 2025, but this amount varies significantly according to household income: higher-income households, between $100,000 and above, plan to spend an average of $1,479 and lower-income households of $50,000 plan to spend $651.
These figures are based on surveys from late 2025 and show a possible overall increase in spending, although lower-income households are spending less than the previous year.
We must also think about the expenses we already have, the debts we already carry; not everything is about the material.
We have to take care of our health and our peace of mind because the beginnings of the year always come with challenges.
We must reflect and make a good plan if we want to give something to our loved ones this holiday season. Do not incur expenses that we will later be unable to cover.
We must understand that those of us who celebrate Christmas prioritize family unity, good deeds, and the like. Perhaps the gift takes a secondary place.
What do you think?
