I remember as a little girl Mom saying, "Don't buy me a present, just write me a poem or make a card and write how you feel inside. That's what I really want - it's the best present ever." It took me a couple of decades to realize that statement was not just a ploy to keep me from shaking the contents from my piggy bank. It really was what she wanted.

One year my financially-challenged college-age son scrawled three lines of sentiment on a homemade card. I have it today. Still. I treasure it. It was the best present ever. After reading literally tens of thousands of true personal Chicken Soup stories these past years, I'm more convinced than ever that what people really desire to share and receive are gifts from the heart.

So what do we give those we love and care about? A present from Macy's? A parcel from Penney's? No, a piece of our hearts. That's living our priorities. If you feel better attaching your written sentiments to an expensive gift, go right ahead. But I promise, the real gift will be your heart-felt words. Everyone you love will love it. The same teenagers who refuse to be seen with you in public may never admit it out loud, but your message is one they will treasure today and many tomorrows. "It's what I really wanted...the best present ever."

Happy holy holidays!