By Vickie Iverson » Whenever you are asked, "Are you ready for Christmas?", do you feel like the real question is, "Have you finished your Christmas shopping?" Has the exchange of 'presents' begun to interfere with your ability to be truly 'present' at Christmas time?

Gifts of Presence. If your gift-giving list is so long that you secretly hope your recipient isn't home when you drop off their gift, I encourage you to remember that it is your 'presence' that is most valued.

Giving the gift of presence allows you to be truly in the moment with the one you are with. If you are in conversation, listen to what is being said rather than thinking about your response. If you are reading a book to your children, be fully present and involved in the story rather than letting your mind wander to your to-do list.

This season experience the true meaning of Christmas by shifting your focus from "giving presents" to "giving presence".

Gift of Kind Words. Give out compliments easily and sincerely. Be cheerful when speaking. 

Everyone you encounter is experiencing stress at this time of year. Kind words are the perfect present to nourish a weary soul.

Gift of Listening. Listen with your eyes. When someone speaks, pay attention. Listen to your friends, spouse, neighbors, children. A friend once told me that her small son took her face in both his hands, turned her head towards him and said, "Mom, I need you to listen with your eyes."

Give the gift of listening with compassion, understanding, kindness, and interest.

So... "Are you ready for Christmas?" Yes! You are indeed ready, not because your gift list is completed, but because you are ready to be 'present'.

Being in the present moment allows you to feel fully alive; you listen, hear, give your time, and are kind in your communication. When you are in the moment, you are able to give the priceless gift of your full presence all wrapped up in the true meaning of Christmas.

• Vickie Iverson has been involved in compiling The Most Loved Christmas Stories, a treasured collection that rekindles the true meaning of Christmas, now available at amazon.com. You may contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .