Christmas is 25 days away. Time is running out to find that perfect gift: a digital camera for a sibling, a flashy timepiece for a significant other or a new PDA for mom or dad. While for many Creighton students it is realistic to be able to afford these gifts, however, many people have to settle for much less. A new CD. A favorite book. A nice sweater.

Even still, this may be a lot for some families. But this is where the spirit of Christmas should come out most. The original Christmas gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were presented to the baby Jesus more symbolically to signify his coming greatness than for any real value they would hold for an infant boy.

Here is where meaningful gifts should be reciprocated, ones that hold less monetary or physical value but bring forth an abundance of goodness and generosity. This could be spending a day back in one’s hometown at a soup kitchen, helping to prepare a meal for the homeless. It is going around the neighborhood with a group of friends to sing Christmas carols.

These are gifts of good deeds and great spirit, the intangible offerings that make people happy. These are gifts that will be remembered long after the iPod becomes obsolete thanks to the newest high-tech gadget.

People tend to get caught up sometimes with the secular aspects of Christmas, especially how many gifts they are going to give and receive from Macy’s or Amazon.com. But it’s also about giving in other senses. Giving one’s time and effort can be as equally appreciated as whatever is wrapped up and sitting underneath the tree.

So this year, make an effort to remember the true spirit of Christmas. It is Christ’s Mass, the feast of his birth and should be celebrated with all types of gifts.