Why Presence Matters More Than Presents
- Brian R. Schobel, CPA
- Dec 22
- 2 min read
As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to feel the pressure to buy the perfect gift. Stores are crowded, online carts are full, and our minds keep asking, “Is this enough?” But year after year, the truth quietly proves itself: the moments we remember most aren’t wrapped in paper—they’re wrapped in presence.
The Gift We Forget to Give
Presence is simple, yet rare. It’s putting your phone down during a conversation. It’s listening without planning your reply. It’s sitting next to someone without needing to fix, impress, or entertain them.
In a season filled with noise and rushing, presence becomes powerful because it tells someone: You matter. I see you. I’m here.
Why Presence Lasts Longer Than Presents
Presents fade. They break, go out of style, or get replaced. But presence becomes memory. Years from now, people won’t remember every gift they received—but they will remember who laughed with them, who noticed them, who made them feel safe and valued.
Presence creates emotional security. It builds connection. It meets a need that no object ever could.
Presence Is Especially Important When Joy Feels Hard
For many people, Christmas isn’t easy. Some are grieving, lonely, or overwhelmed. In those moments, a gift can feel distant—but presence feels grounding.
You don’t need the right words. You don’t need a solution. Just being there is enough.
What Presence Can Look Like This Christmas
Presence doesn’t have to be dramatic or time-consuming. It can be small and quiet:
Sitting with someone without distractions
Asking, “How are you really?” and listening
Sharing a meal without rushing
Offering patience instead of perfection
These moments don’t cost money, but they carry deep value.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need to do more to make this season meaningful. You don’t need to spend more or be more. Your attention, your time, your willingness to show up—that is already a gift.
This Christmas, let presence be the thing you give freely. It may be the most meaningful gift someone receives.
Happy Holidays—may this season be filled with warmth, connection, and moments that truly matter.
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