If you are in a job where you greet people this Christmas season, find ways to bring the Christ Child into your greeting. Instead of just saying to someone "Have a Happy Holiday" or "Wishing you a Merry Christmas", try adding something like this: "Have a Happy Holiday and may the Baby Jesus be in your heart this Christmas season." "Wishing you a Merry Christmas with all the Peace and Love of the Christ Child."

When greeting children of all ages, make a positive reference about the fact that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Tell everyone that we have Santa Claus, give and receive presents and have our family Christmas parties to commemorate the birth of Christ almost 2000 years ago.

Instead of "What is Santa bringing you this year for Christmas?" try "What gifts are you hoping to receive this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child?" and "What gifts are you going to share with others to show them the Peace and Love of the Baby Jesus?" We all hear "There are only XX shopping days left until Christmas." How about this, "There are only XX days left to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas."

Have you thought about sharing part of the money you will spend on your family and friends this Christmas with the poor, the homeless, those out of work and those so deep in debt that they will have little on no food and gifts for their self or for their families.

How about sharing one of your most precious possessions, your time, with someone who is alone, lonely and without anyone to care for them. The nursing homes are full of folks who could use a friend and maybe a small gift at Christmas. Invite someone to your home for the family Christmas meal that you don't usually think to include at this time.

When buying Christmas cards to send, consider those cards which send a message about the birth of Jesus and not just secular things like Santa Claus, reindeer, snow and mistletoe. There are many gifts available that have a real Christmas and religious message. It doesn't have to be "Barbie", Superman, action figures or Nintendo games. Give a gift that really says something, maybe a book on the lives of the saints. Now those are real role models, real heroes that most children do not hear enough about. A holy water fount for the home or a new statue to display. Instead of the latest gadgets for a spouse or friend, why not give then the gift of a retreat somewhere. Instead of a pipe and tie for Dad, how about a new Rosary, a subscription to a Catholic magazine or newsletter or maybe a cross and chain or pin which give out a religious message. Give your children some really good CD's and tapes of Christian music.

Sponsor someone to a Cursillo weekend and help really put Christ back into someone's life. That is a gift that keeps on giving, for as we bring someone to know Christ better through the Cursillo Method that person will in turn share that message with someone else who will share it with someone else and so on.