A person only has to burst out with: "Ho, Ho, Ho," and you know instantly who they are imitating. Santa Claus, Old St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Sinter Klaas are all titles we give to the omnipresent, legendary, white-bearded bearer of Christmas gifts -- the embodiment of the spirit of giving.

But Christmas has become big business. Rather than the 'giving spirit,' retailers have been selling the 'buying spirit' for centuries. We've lost sight of what the real St. Nicholas modeled -- the gift of giving -- unselfish, spirit-filled giving.

So, what would Jesus have to say to St. Nick's highly commercialized 21st Century, decked out in red Ho, Ho, Ho, counterpart Santa Claus? If Jesus would write today's Santa Claus a letter, we think it would go something like this:

=======

Dear Santa:

Instead of asking for something, I have the gift of an important piece of advice for you: Please -- remember who you really are! You know, the authentic Saint Nick and I are kindred spirits . . . we have a lot in common! We both represent unconditional giving -- and both our images have been misinterpreted and confused as time has passed. You and I, we've both been used to create guilt trips -- which was never our intention -- and people seem to think we have nothing better to do than keep lists of good and bad behavior -- as if that were what we cared about at all! It is so essential for you to keep your focus, and continue to do what it is you are here to do -- spread the spirit of joy and unconditional giving to the world. And man, you've got to stop eating all those cookies and milk treats!

Here's how I wish people would give - Unconditionally!

1. Unconditionally give of their Time

2. Unconditionally give of their Talents

3. Unconditionally give of their Treasures.

Santa, you can help people understand this message, if you remember who you really are!

====

Because Jesus is talking to the Santa in each of us -- that part of us that truly does understand the spirit of unconditional giving, but sometimes forgets -- let's see how we can put His advice into practice this holiday season!

1. Give of your time: Time is such a precious commodity. We are so caught up now with the gadgetry and intricacy of electronics that we have actually put ourselves into a time trap! We are more pressured and rushed than we've ever been. We are consumed with what gift to buy for people who do not need anything. What if we gave the gift of our time? How often has a loved one shared with you, "I don't need a gift. Your presence is all the presents I need!" Let's believe that -- and identify ways to give the gift of our time this season.

2. Give of your Talents: What are your unique talents, and how could you use them to bring joy and love to others? Consider this: What do dolphins; pool plastic, Guinness Book of World Records, and a herdsman from Inner Mongolia have to do with giving of your talents? They all come together in a news story: The herdsman's name is Bao Xishun. At 7-foot-9, Bao was confirmed by Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest living man in the world. His arms are 41.7 inches long! Why is he important in terms of giving? It seems some dolphins had gotten seriously ill after nibbling on plastic from the edge of their pool at an aquarium. Surgical instruments could not extract the material (because of the shape of the dolphin stomach it is difficult to push instruments very far without hurting the animals), so vets decided to seek the help of Bao Xishun. He was able to reach his arm into the stomachs of the sick dolphins and remove the dangerous material! His unusual arms became the saving mechanism for the dolphins!

What are your talents -- and how can you use them to connect with others, bringing joy and love?

3. Give of your Treasures: The critical issue here is not how much money you have -- it is the generosity of your spirit in terms of what you do have. We saw a perfect example when we had lunch recently at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Mebane, NC. Our waitress was just great -- fabulous energy, beautiful spirit, and very talented at her job. She created a sense of hospitality as she served us with such joy. We were led to give her an unusually large tip, in recognition of the way she served us! Upon seeing the size of her tip, she thanked us profusely -- then excitedly told us that she was using all her tips this week to purchase things for children whose names were on the Angel Tree at the restaurant. Sure enough, we saw the tree, and when she opened her order book, there were four cut-out angels in her book. She said, "Now I can go get a few more angels off the tree!"

Think about your unique treasures -- and how can you see them from a spirit of unconditional giving? Believe us; you will be blessed many times over.

Remember what Jesus said to Santa? That is the same message each of us needs to hear: Remember who you really are! And that will make Christmas, and the New Year, the best you have ever experienced!