Alternative gift ideas to fit the season

By STUART S. LIGHT

We are just under way in our third post-9/11 holiday season and our world hasn’t changed much at all.

I say that because there was so much talk immediately following the horrors of Sept. 11, 2001, that life, as we knew it would change forever. The shallow nonsense and senseless violence that made up much of our entertainment would give way to deeper, more life-affirming subjects.

We would find new ways to reach out to the less fortunate and desperate people in the world to improve living conditions, and eliminate the seeds of terrorism. We even bought the notion that our political debates and contests would be conducted with a new civility, and an acknowledgment that we’re all Americans seeking solutions to problems that affect the air we all breathe, the water we all drink, and the world we all live in. That we owe it to our children and all future generations to make the world a better place.

These were the hopes and dreams that often find expression following great tragedy, and unfortunately dissipate as time passes and memory fades. Reality television with its prurient pandering has proliferated. Movies are more blatantly sexual and violent than ever. Political discourse is harsh and rancorous, and the divisions along ideological and party lines seem greater than ever. We remain involved in a bloody, internationally unpopular war, and we are no safer today from terrorism than we were on 9/11.

Add to this the corporate scandals, and the recent allegations of malfeasance in many of the investment funds, and you have a post-9/11 that has not only squandered its promise, but added to its sadness.

In the aftermath of the 2001 attacks we were urged to go out and spend, lest we allow the terrorists to win. As if the material things we purchased for ourselves and others would somehow help the healing begin and make things better. But the things we bought then, the gifts we gave, were not the gifts that were needed. They never are.  We’re still a long way from healing, and far from the interconnectedness needed to solve the problems we face.

Once again, with the season of giving upon us, we can all do more to help. Let’s take a little time out of our busy lives and think about the things that really matter. Let’s stop to consider the gifts we can give each other that can help change this world into a kinder, gentler place, one human being at a time.

I’ve published the following list of gift suggestions for the past two holiday seasons, and the list hasn’t changed. I’m offering it again here, along with my sincerest wishes for Peace on Earth and Good Will toward Men, Women and Children Everywhere.

Please give the following gifts generously:

Your Love: Always the right size, shape, and it comes in all colors.

Your Time: It passes and never returns. Give it while you still have it.

Your Attention: Give it completely, especially to your children.

Your Thanks: For everything, and to everyone in your life.

Your Forgiveness: To anyone who has ever hurt you.

Your Apology: To anyone you have ever hurt.

Your Trust: To all who deserve it.

Your Heart: It’s a fragile and precious gift, but don’t be afraid to give it.

Your Compassion: This will help you know what else to give and to whom.

Your Money: It won’t buy love, but it can help provide food, clothing and shelter.

Stuart S. Light is a frequent Beacon contributor.