Last-Minute Holiday Gifts of Happiness & Health -- Spending Optional

Are you in the market for  last-minute holiday gifts? You’re not alone. U.S. consumers will spend a total of $630 billion for the winter 2015 holidays, according to the National Retail Federation. And the shopping spree will continue with the year-end sales. But you don’t have to spend a lot to give the gift of joy, says Rev. Renato Santos,  assistant vice president of pastoral care for Baptist Health South Florida.

For holiday and year-round shoppers, Rev. Santos ties a ribbon around this spiritual gift list and offers these alternatives to material presents:

• a firm handshake to a shaky soul.
• a kind word to a lonely person.
• a warm smile to the disheartened.
• a sincere concern for someone troubled.
• a feeling of compassion for the neglected.
• a comforting thought for the bereaved.
• a respect for the dignity of others.
• a defense of the rights of individuals.
• a word of witness to help a seeking soul.
• an extra dose of attention and presence.
• a reminder that the material is perishable and the spiritual is eternal.
–(Source: unknown)