It is a nice tradition at the end of the year to exchange gifts among people. Under the Christmas trees sprout luminous packages, and, for those who still retain the gift of belief, some gifts may be brought by fantastic figures that fly around the world entering our homes through windows or chimneys.

If you had a choice, would you like to receive something you really need, or something you want? A superfluous gift or one that is truly fundamental? Imagine a visually impaired child getting his first pair of glasses, or one with a physical-motor disability getting his first wheelchair! A profound change takes place: it is the inauguration of a renewed life, at another level, with new possibilities previously unthinkable.

At this time of year especially, it is common for us to be touched by all emotions, from joy to sadness, from fear to hope. We need to deal with them, and often we don’t know how. We long for different, conflicting, and even antagonistic things, but, who knows, social-emotional education may help us unwrap this new gift: that we learn to handle conflicts in a non-violent way and, thus, we will be able to live the values of solidarity, joy, and hope of Christmas.

This year, be YOU the Christmas gift! Hug, talk, go with an open heart and mind!