Virtues in Paradise: The best present you can give

Christmas is nearly here, and there is so much to do – preparing for visiting family, finding gifts for the children, serving the church, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

When we are rushing around trying to get everything done, it is too easy to forget the reason for the season. It’s to celebrate the birth of Jesus and His message of love, particularly his love for children.

In his sermon on the mount of Beatitudes, the most quoted part of the New Testament, Jesus reminds us of the value of children and that “the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14).

Here are a few virtues tips to make the holidays especially joyful this year:

1. Self-Care: Pause each day to do something to restore your energy and wellbeing: a nap, a visit with a friend, a swim, a cup of good coffee. When your own cup of wellbeing is full, it overflows to others. When you’re happy, it has a ripple effect around you.
2. Love: The best present you can give is your presence: give loving attention to someone with a look, a smile, a gentle touch. Ask about what they are doing; listen to what they have to say. Companion them. If a child is crying, don’t label them “crybaby”. Ask “What are those tears?” rather than telling them not to cry.
3. Gentleness: Think twice before growling, particularly a child. Use gentle words instead. “It’s time to be helpful and get our chores done.” Catch them in the act of committing a virtue and acknowledge them for it. “That was a kind thing you did for your sister.” “You are an excellent dancer. You really did well.”
4. Generosity: Think about who might be lonely and include them in a meal or a visit.
5. Forgiveness: Before the old year ends, reach out to someone you have been out of sorts with and make peace with them.
6. Service: Think of someone who needs help, particularly our elderly. Any offer to do some chores or help them do something they cannot do themselves will mean the world to them. If you need help, ask!
7. Unity: Because this is the season to share love, don’t isolate. Reach out to friends or family and go on an outing or invite them to share a Christmas meal or even just a cuppa.
8. Initiative: Start thinking about setting your intentions for the New Year. What changes do you want to make for your best life ever in 2025? Consider what will bring you joy this year. As Sufi poet Rumi said, “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”
9. Reverence: Celebrate the birth of Jesus and think about His teachings. May His inspiration guide you through the holidays. “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)