The enticements to purchase Christmas gifts begin early. The day after Thanksgiving, tree sellers are filling sidewalks with their prized wares, shop window decorations are beckoning passersby and it seems that everywhere the familiar tunes of the holiday are playing. Those observing other holidays or choosing not to celebrate at all are mostly ignored.

Regardless, the pressure to find that perfect gift begins.

And so, I think of the gifts I have been offered over the years. Some are treasured, many are forgotten, but the greatest gifts imparted to me were from those I hold dear. The gifts of love, knowledge, and courage.