***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and looks forward to publishing several feature articles by him beginning in January 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***

“The Best Gifts Are The Ones That Can’t Be Wrapped”

By: Josh McGrath, Columnist

As a kid, I would wake up my entire family at the crack of dawn every Christmas, impatiently waiting to open my gifts. The time between when I woke my parents to the time I was tearing through the wrapping paper seemed like an eternity. But as soon as my parents allowed, I bolted to the bottom of the tree. I ripped through presents faster than a paper shredder, just hoping to get the perfect present. As a kid, Christmas was the most amazing morning on Earth. It was one that I looked forward to every year.

As we grow up, Christmas means something different to us than when we were kids. It typically transforms from a day when we worry about what gifts others will give to us, to one where we worry about what gifts we’ll give to others. We always want to give the best gift possible to those that we love and care for. Yet all too often, when worrying about what to get our loved ones, we forget about those who do not have anyone to call “family” of their own.

These ‘forgotten’ people are not necessarily homeless. They can be anyone, from the next-door neighbor whose family is suffering from a layoff, to the elderly who may be dealing with the burden of ‘loss’ this Christmas. For many of these people, a simple word of encouragement, act of kindness, or hug to remind them that there is still hope might be all the ‘gift’ it takes to brighten their holiday. For others, it may require listening or giving them a shoulder to lean on. Regardless, sometimes the best gift is the one you can never get back: the gift of your time.

I’m no longer a kid, but I still look forward to each and every Christmas. Despite the chaos of the times in which we live, I know that all around the world people are giving the best gifts to those who need them most. And that’s better than any gift I could ever unwrap.

***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and looks forward to publishing several feature articles by him beginning in January 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***

What Gifts Are You Giving This Holiday Season?