"Mommy, I think you like those toys more than we do," I remember saying to my mom as we shopped at a discount store. The way she would inspect each toy, carefully read through each book, count puzzle pieces, and put together toy sets (discount items tend to miss pieces), I was sure she loved those toys every bit as much as we kids did. She was always on the lookout for sales so she and my hard-working father could put presents under the Christmas tree for us kids.

But my parents' giving wasn't limited to things. Sometimes their gifts were "hands on," like when they took us to a park to play a favorite game together, or trekked by our sides through the woods, or took us to visit some historical site.

Looking back I can clearly see that my parents didn't love the toys and all the rest as much as I thought they did--they just loved giving. They were always giving. Whether it was their time and attention, help with our schoolwork or projects, or lending a listening ear, they never ceased to give from their hearts.

As Christmas approaches, I can't help but think back and marvel at those simple, love-filled gifts. They still stand out to me, many years later. Their giving helped set my standards of what Christmas is all about. The Christmas presents themselves I hardly remember, but Mom and Dad's enthusiastic love for giving I will never forget!

Of course, gift giving is a timeless tradition and a wonderful way of showing love. And gifts are always especially thrilling for children. Perhaps that is what our heavenly Father had in mind long ago on that first Christmas, when He gave us His love in the fashion He knew we would understand best. He gave us the most precious and enduring gift ever given in such a simple, humble way--His love and Spirit in the form of a gentle baby. Jesus was and still is God's great Christmas gift to us all.

Modern marketers have found so many holidays to celebrate with gift giving, and they come around so fast that it's sometimes hard to remember which one we're shopping for or why. But stop for a moment, won't you, and recall the most memorable gifts you have ever received and why you still hold them dear. Were they the things you could see and hold, or the love those gifts were wrapped in?

This Christmas and always, may our heavenly Father's example be your guide to giving.

Linda Salazar is a full-time volunteer with The Family in the USA.