The below was written by a professor at Ohio State University. I am going to use it for my Thursday Thirteen today as it fits perfectly this Christmas season. Number 13 is written by me. It describes a Christmas that we should live year-round. All of you have my deepest gratitude for the many ways you contribute to the excellence that we strive to achieve in all that we do for our customers and the University. It is truly a special gift to be able to share this festive time of year with you. Yet, the holiday season is so hectic for many people that we sometimes find it difficult to step back and consider the world we inhabit from another viewpoint. We often are so busy getting and giving material things that we overlook the more important gifts of which we all need abundance. I recently came across a wonderful old essay that captures the spirit of giving that I want to share with you. The author is Deanne Ludwig whose work resonates today as we prepare to turn another year’s page. I will paraphrase her essay for you, updating the language somewhat for our modern world. She asks us to consider the “Other Twelve Gifts of Christmas”, but no matter what you celebrate during this season these are wonderful gifts to think about giving all year round. Here are her thoughts: While sweaters, toys, trips are all wonderful presents to give, there are other gifts that are more precious to those you love. They cost nothing, but their effects can last a lifetime. The first gift is the gift of time. In this busy world, we often do not take the time to give ourselves to others. A phone call to a friend who is worried. A visit to an aging or ailing relative. A little more time for our parents, our children, our partners/ spouses. This is giving yourself to others for comfort and love. The second gift is the gift of a good example. Behaving so that you demonstrate respect for others, that you are compassionate, that you are a friend, that you are just, that you are honest, that you are moral, is the gift of an example for others, especially children. The third gift is the gift of acceptance. There is no better way to make a person feel good, or to defuse conflict than to accept the differences among people. This is a rare gift in this world of angry voices. Give it freely. The fourth is the gift of seeing the best in others. Let people know that you see them for their most positive attributes—and many times it will bring out the best in them. The fifth is the gift of giving up a bad habit. Sometimes our bad habits annoy others or endanger ourselves. Think about a bad habit you can give up that would be a gift to others. The sixth is the gift of teaching. Sharing your knowledge with others in a way that improves them is a great gift. Give it as often as you can. The seventh is the gift of listening. A good listener is special. Listening patiently to another is a special gift because it says, “You are important to me. What you have to say is worthy of my precious time.” The eighth is the gift of fun. Fill others with joy and mirth and you have given them a wonderful gift. The ninth is the gift of letting others give to you. When we let others give to us and when we graciously accept their gifts, we may be giving one of the most important gifts of all. The tenth is the gift of privacy. Respect the needs of others close to you to have their quiet times, and give them their privacy when they may need it. The eleventh is the gift of self-worth. Resist the temptation to criticize too freely. Let others enjoy their accomplishments; never belittle someone. Be gracious and respectful in giving advice, especially to children, spouses, partners, employees, and co-workers. The twelfth is the gift of self-disclosure. Let those you love know you. Let them into your heart and your mind, that they may be a part of you. Give the gift of yourself. As Ludwig states, these gifts cost nothing, but can bring great joy to others far beyond the calendar days of the holidays. My hope for each of you is that someone gives you something from the list of these 12 precious gifts. May 2007 be a year filled with new exciting challenges, much joy and a new found peace in the world. The thirteenth is my wish for each and every one of you, that you have a very Merry Christmas. That your heart be filled with all the joys of Christmas and may the peace of Christ be with you all.