And though, as Africans, it is not every family which goes into the whole business of buying and sharing Christmas gifts, giving has always been a part of the community.
This can be seen from parents buying their children brand new clothing on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, to people in the township sharing a meal, donating food parcels to homes or to organisations or by passing on items they no longer use to others who are in need of them.
Therefore, when we speak of giving, it does not necessarily mean you have to spend a lot of money, to make someone else happy.
It is merely a gesture of going to the extent of offering helping, your skills or even your time to someone who is less fortunate than you or who needs it.
So take the time off your busy schedules this festive season and do an act of kindness, that will make a positive difference and maybe even put a smile on some else’s face.