Gifts that Keep on Giving

By Raymond D. Cohen

Here we are again – another holiday season, and cultural festivities abound. Personally, I love the energy, the colour, the spirit of this season... all the traditions.

I find it interesting that many of the world’s major religions celebrate significant holidays around this time. To me, it’s sadly paradoxical that despite the values that underscore these faiths, they are serving to divide rather than unite our fragile little planet.

Speaking of religion, I take a lot of solace in the “truth.” I can honestly say that I have no clue as to what is going on in the “big picture” (you know, life after life, life before life, heaven and hell… that kind of thing). I am, however, convinced that whatever is in fact happening does not require my knowing about it in order to exist. And, for my part, I don’t need any of the details in order to feel good about knowing that “the truth” is cooking nicely along without any need for micro-management from me. Come to think of it, we would probably all live in a more peaceful place if we simply got on with the business of being good neighbours.

This being said – and now that you know I basically operate in the spirit of ignorance in fact being bliss – I should point out that I still take advantage of this time to count my blessings. To me, the holiday season is a time to reflect on those who have been there for me throughout the year, and to acknowledge those who are important, missed, loved and cherished. I enter the new year with a heart full of appreciation for what and who I have in my life – and then the trick is to maintain it for as long as possible moving forward. In the best-case scenario, one can maintain this inner warmth all the way through to the next festive season. I once made it clear through to February! :)

“Peace on Earth – good will to all men.” Remember that one? I sure would like to see more of us re-claim that as a standard to live by. I would especially like to see some of the world’s political leaders take that creed closer to heart – not to beat around the Bush or anything.

At the risk of spouting a cliché, some things just seem to make good sense. Take the golden rule as example. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” What could be simpler? Don’t blow up my country and I won’t blow up yours. Keep my family safe, and you need not worry about my endangering yours. Too simple? Maybe – but I think not.

This holiday season, I urge you to apply the old rules. And I encourage you to break all records! Heck, maybe you’ll be able to keep the spirit going clear into March!

This season, give! Some of you will give presents. Some will give time. Some will give kindness and some will give advice.

However you choose to give, enjoy the moment. In that special time, you will be applying some cosmic salve to a planet that needs healing. And this world is still a cosmic place – the more we each give, the more we all gain.

People with disabilities, in particular, have important gifts to bring. Very often, these gifts come in the form of profound mentoring, and are shared at various levels with friends, neighbours and, indeed, entire communities. People with disabilities enrich our lives by introducing diversity and by sharing finely honed qualities such as resilience and innovation. In other words, people with disabilities make great neighbours.

This holiday season, give what you can. If you can afford a donation to an important disability organization (ahem, hint, hint) – make one. If you can volunteer, do so. If you can welcome someone with no plans this season into your home, do so. If you can write a letter supporting a good idea, do so. If you can paint, draw, muse or show artistic expression in any way, do so. Give the gift of you.

Who knows? If we all keep on giving to others the way we would want them to give to us, we just might find peace on earth after all.

On behalf of all of us at the Canadian Abilities Foundation, here’s wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday season – and the very best that the new year has to offer. Peace.