At this time of the year we begin to think about Christmas coming. For some people, they are thinking of Christ and his birth. Children are thinking of the day they will receive presents. Others may be thinking of time off from work, and visiting with family and friends. And retailers are thinking of the money that is to be made.Whatever your reason, it is always better to remember those around us who are not as fortunate. Most of us are blessed beyond measure. We have much more than we need and can use. Is there something in a drawer, or closet, or other storage place that you continue to hold on to but have not even looked at in years? If you're like most people, you will say "yes" to that.In my study, there are books on my shelf that only get moved around because I do not use them any more. I hang on to them because, like most of us, one day I know I will use them. If I haven't in 5 years, why would I start to use them now? I have more books now than I have shelves.This time of year, some are thinking of presents. A new iphone would be nice....maybe an ipad. For some, it may be an Xbox or other type of game. The list is endless, isn't it? And all of these things cost money and we can't afford them.The best gifts I have received in life have never cost anyone a cent. The best gifts I have received have sometimes not even been tangible. And the beauty of it is that you can give these things as well.For instance, how about the gift of time? We can go and visit someone who may be lonely and make their day more enjoyable. We can offer our love to another person and it doesn't cost us a cent. There are those around us who feel unloved and alone. We can make their day by showing them that we love them.Some of the best gifts I have ever received were homemade gifts: a wooden teddy bear and balloon from a young lady having problems that I had helped; a can that had been covered and painted on which holds pencils on my desk; a canning jar of peppermints with needlework as the lid. I remember these much more than those bought and paid for. Every one of us has something to give others. So at this time of the year, let's give the gift of ourselves. For that is the best gift of all.