Editorial: Giving the gifts that matter
Monday, Dec. 24, 2001 | 8:20 a.m.
The greatest gifts this holiday season cannot be found in stores or catalogs. The brightly wrapped presents we give friends and relatives are an expression of the season, but not the essence. That's especially true this Christmas.
While we sing holiday songs of peace and joy, we face many uncertainties -- a struggling economy, loss of jobs, the lingering effects of terrorist attacks, the threat of more attacks, a war on terrorism and violence in the Middle East. These realities remind us of what's really important -- the closeness of families and friends.
There is little that we as individuals can do about world affairs. But we can have a positive impact on our own families, neighborhoods and communities. We can give of ourselves -- which is the most precious gift, but one we sometimes find hardest to give. It's as simple as smiling more often. Smile at your neighbor. Smile at every child you see.
Spend more time with your mate. Take time to talk to -- and listen to -- your children. Play a game with them. Help them with their homework.
Be more courteous and friendly to your customers.
Leave a larger tip in a restaurant or coffee shop.
Compliment a friend, co-worker or family member.
Be a more patient and courteous driver.
Get involved in your child's school. Volunteer for a community activity or cause.
Help a neighbor in need. Visit an elderly friend.
Let your employees know how valuable they are and that you appreciate their hard work.
Write a note to a friend. Call your parents more often.
Say hello to a teenager you don't know.
Say "I love you" more often.
Tame your temper. Don't strike out in anger.
Don't be so quick to criticize. Try to find something positive about a person or a situation.
Don't judge people by the way they look.
These are gifts we can all give, no matter the size of our bank account. More importantly, these are gifts that we can continue giving long after the holiday season ends.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Freddie Roach talks tough; Manny Pacquiao backs it up
- Live Main Event blog: Cada and Moon set to square off heads-up
- Commercial development in Las Vegas grinding to a halt, analyst says
- Ensign moves out of home on C Street
- County considers suing over travel Web site room taxes
- Cada and Moon emerge as Main Event’s final two
- Cities, county find buying valley homes isn’t easy
- Life in the Limelight: Wayne Newton
- Temperature to hit 80 today in Las Vegas
- UNLV wins hoops scrimmage at Long Beach State
Blogs
The Kats Report
Buchanan was one of the city's truly flamboyant characters
Sports: Upon Further Review
Fight snapshot: Reviewing "24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto," episode 3
The Kats Report
Life in the Limelight: Wayne Newton (4 Comments)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
An entire campaign in one mail piece for Harry Reid (5 Comments)
Miech Again
On the road to Long Beach, UNLV hoops style (13 Comments)
The Kats Report
Vocal strain prompts Wayne Brady to call off 'Making It Up' until 2010 (1 Comment)
The Greene Room
New Mexico soccer player goes MMA on BYU (16 Comments)
Calendar »
- 8 Sun
- 9 Mon
- 10 Tue
- 11 Wed
- 12 Thu
-
76 Trombones + 4 concert at Artemus Ham Hall
Artemus Ham Hall at UNLV | 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
-
The Smothers Brothers at The Orleans Showroom
The Orleans Showroom
-
Abbacadabra at The Las Vegas Hilton
Las Vegas Hilton
-
Roy Clark at The South Point Showroom
South Point Showroom
-
Zowie Bowie's Vintage Vegas Show at Monte Carlo
Lance Burton Theater
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati








