Santa’s big day is nearly here, and I know a lot of us are eagerly waiting. Even for those who celebrate other holidays, or who just enjoy the season in general, I feel the anticipation and hope of us all.

And as I always do, I have wishes for each of you, but they’re not your typical wishes.

I hope your Christmas stockings are filled with the laughter of children, their shouts of glee, their belief in all things good.

Under your tree, I hope you find warm memories of family and friends, snapshots in your mind of beautiful moments shared. I hope the tree skirt is buried under positive hopes and plans for the year ahead. I hope the branches of your tree carry reminders of those no longer here, tangible connections to history.

I hope your dinner table is surrounded by people you love, who love you, whatever is on the table itself, be it turkey or peanut butter sandwiches.

I hope in boxes you unwrap the warm, comforting scarves of love, the delight of laughter and surprise, and the joy of finding out how well those who love you know you.

I wish for the brightest lights from your Kwanzaa or Menorah candles, guiding you into the new year with joy, pushing away any darkness.

I hope your Yule log also burns bright and reminds you of the need for rest and rejuvenation this time of year, in preparation for the return of longer days and sunshine.

I wish you time to step outside and share with the animals in your yard who, in colder weather, may be struggling to find sustenance or warmth.

I hope cards from friends and family far and wide line a shelf and that they bring you the affirmation of how much you mean to others.

I wish you the immense joy of celebrating at least one meaning of Boxing Day, on the second day of Christmas, which includes giving gifts to those in need. I hope your heart fills with the gratitude of being able to share with those less fortunate.

If you search for celebrations in December, you likely would be as stunned as I was to see all the designations of celebrations throughout the month, and while it may seem silly, it spoke volumes to me of this: There is something to celebrate every single day of every month. And if we cannot seem to find something to rejoice in, Google will happily supply it.

But for whatever holiday you and yours celebrate, my essential wish is this: It’s not the stuff. It’s not what’s in the boxes or bags. It’s not even how elaborate the food on your table is or the size of your gathering.

It’s the filling of your heart for your fellow man (and woman). It’s remembering that gifts of love and compassion don’t need boxes or bows or shipping. They only require time, care, effort and yes, patience. But these are also the gifts that give back in the greatest way.

And those are the gifts I hope you give, and receive, in great abundance this holiday season.

Elisabeth Strillacci covers crime, courts, Spencer, East Spencer and Kannapolis for the Salisbury Post.