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When the holiday season approaches, the rush begins to find the perfect gifts for the loved ones on their shopping list. Some choose to brave the hectic Black Friday shopping frenzy while others avoid the rush altogether by shopping online.

While festively-wrapped gifts are grand for both the recipient and the giver, we should also consider giving people the gift of our presence this season.

Put down the smartphones, turn the volume down on whatever sporting event happens to be on television, and engage family members in conversations when everyone gathers to celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or one of the many other holidays celebrated this time of year.

Take the time to ask everyone how they’re doing, and do the best possible to create a stress-free environment during the holidays.

Ask the grandkids returning home for a visit from their first semester of college how relieved they must be to be done with finals. Congratulate those who have been blessed with success, and put an arm around those who faced struggles or challenges in 2022.

Regardless what our races, religions, politician affiliations, genders, orientations, professions, or social statuses may be, may we all recognize we are all people, at the end of the day.

The greatest gift you may give someone this holiday season just might turn out to be something different than what you thought it would be – your time and attention.