BESIDES the toys, the sweaters, the new TV games, give your children these gifts this Christmas:

Give the gift of acceptance. Teach those around you that they are loved for what they are, not for what they do or even how much they please you. GIVE THIS GIFT WITH A KISS.

Give the gift of self confidence by helping them understand and accept that no one can be approved of all the time, and that when one encounters disapproval he need not feel immobilized or upset, that he must trust himself, not the opinions of others. GIVE THIS GIFT WITH A HUG.

Give them the gift of possibilities. Don’t let them label themselves as intellectuals, athletes, little ladies, macho men or whatever. Give them an example of a person who is not slotted into any one compartment and tell them a boy or girl can sew or play football, can cry or be brave, can cut the grass or do the dishes. Give them the gift of freedom to be anything rather than limit themselves in any way by nonsensical labels and roles. GIVE THIS GIFT WITH A SMILE.

Give them the gift of a life without needless fears by not being a worrier yourself. Show them that you will tackle problems but that you will not just sit around and fret. Encourage them to become do-ers as well. GIVE THIS GIFT WITH A LAUGH

Give them the gift of being a person who has a spark and an appreciation for all of life. Encourage them to be fully alive in every way. Allow them to have adventures, a chance for laughter, fun, creativity. Give them the supreme gift of being able to find happiness in virtually all circumstances. GIVE THIS GIFT AS THEY GO OUT THE DOOR. FOR ALL THESE GIFTS WILL LAST FOREVER.