Give the Gift of Real Love

This is a wonderful season. I love the lights, the music, the food. But most of all I like it that at this season more than any other our thoughts tend to turn to the possibility of loving the people around us. We’re more thoughtful. We give more. We smile more. We speak to each other more on the street. People who wouldn’t normally say a word to each other will say, “Merry Christmas,” and most of the time they even mean it.

I am convinced that the cheer we demonstrate at this season is strong evidence that deep down we all really want to be loving. Somehow we know that being loving is simply the happiest way to live. When we’re loving, we like how we feel, and we like how other people feel as they are the objects of our love.

There are so many ways for us to show our love to those around us, and at Christmas the original idea was to offer gifts as a token—a physical indication—of our love. In most cases, we’ve lost the intent of the token and instead focus on the gift itself.

I’m not suggesting that we give up gift-giving. I am suggesting that we consider some of the other signs of love that we might give at this season. Rather than giving a card—or perhaps in addition to it—imagine the joy we could bring into the life of another by giving forgiveness for a past offense. Rather than simply purchasing a gift at the mall, what if we were to sit with a friend or family member and describe a mistake we’ve made, something we know has caused pain in that person’s life?

I have now seen thousands of individuals and families deeply touched by the power of Real Love. At this special season take time to contemplate how you might allow Real Love to affect your life more deeply, and how you might share it more freely with others.

In the words of one member of RealLove.com, "The principles of Real Love have brought more peace and power into our family over the past several months than I would ever have thought possible. I can't begin to say how grateful I am."

At this season of joy and thanksgiving, what better gift could we give our loved ones than the gift of Real Love? Take advantage of the spirit of the season and give all the Real Love you can. Not only will you bring joy into the lives of others, but you will immeasurably enrich your own in the process.