I basically go a little bonkers when it comes time for Christmas!! The excitement for me is in the picking-out-gifts-for-the-people-I-love part!! Call me crazy, but as soon as September 1 hits, it's Christmas gift go time. In my book, summer has ended and Christmas is around the corner!  My hubby isn't all that crazy about my early shopping habits because he says it just gives me more time to spend more money on each person...guilty as charged. 

My love language is Giving/Receiving, so can you blame me? Even at a kid's birthday party, I'm the first to say,"Is it time to open gifts yet?!"  I just want to see the look on the person's face when they read the card and open the gift that I most likely spent way too much time picking out. On the "receiving" end, if someone takes time to give me something (it could be from The Dollar Tree!), I can barely contain my joy and gratitude!

Here's my point: Even if giving wasn't my personal favorite part, I think there is so much more blessing in the GIVING part of the holiday season.  After all, as a believer, I tend to focus on "God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only son...(John 3:16)." It could be the gift of your time, your undivided attention, your hand-me-downs, your smile, your patience, etc.  What matters is how your heart will swell when there is no expectation of receiving in return! 

What's your "why" for gift giving??