I have a trivial Christmas confession: of all the potential pressures this season brings, I dread the shopping.

I eagerly anticipate a loved one’s delight when they unwrap a “perfect-for-them” surprise, but the path to the peeled paper is wrought with stress, not joy.  As I contemplated this year’s blank Christmas list, I wondered: What can we learn from God, the best gift-giver of all time? The answer tops my list, and I hope these two fail-safe gifts your kids—or grandkids—will always remember help you in some way, too.

Presence.

Even our most memorable gifts pale in comparison to our heavenly Father’s gifts to us (Matthew 7:11). First, God gave us his Son, Jesus (John 3:16)—Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He is the greatest gift of all time, yet in Luke 11:13, Jesus names another exceedingly good gift God grants his children: the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ earthly absence, God’s presence dwells within us (John 14:16-17), which makes presence one of the exceedingly good gifts we can give others.

Here are three ways we can give the gift of presence.

Prioritize time with God.

When obligations, invitations, and distractions squeeze our days, we may need to say “No” to prospects when they prevent the “Yeses” that enrich our relationship with God. I decline most evening opportunities and limit social media and Netflix binges to ensure my bedtime supports the slumber number I need for fruitful mornings with God. What will you do to cultivate and protect time for God?

Protect margin.

Our December calendar is a doozy. The coming month brings two kids’ birthdays, one kid’s college graduation, the holidays, and our youngest daughter’s wedding on January 5. When the Lord directed me to time-block the month exclusively for family, work, and life-group activities, I did. Now, I’ll have to protect these sacred spaces with my life. How can you create and protect margin in the days and weeks ahead?

Delay elective commitments.

Last year, I hosted an annual retreat for a handful of friends between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. While not my preference, I prayerfully delayed this year’s gathering to February so preparations don’t distract from time with God and loved ones in December. Is there anything you need to postpone until after the holidays?

Peace.

As Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure, he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27a, ESV). This is another gift we can give others. For me, this naturally flows from time in God’s presence.

Trust God.

This season can be wrought with anxiety and fear. Past experiences may tempt us to dread holiday gatherings, and family time often opens doors to family conflict. Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt by someone you’ll have to see, and their behavior is still hurtful. It’s hard, but God. Regardless of the challenging possibilities, we can trust what God says: “He keeps us in perfect peace when our mind is fixed on him because we trust him” (Isaiah 26:3, paraphrased). How can you fix your heart and mind on God and experience his perfect peace this holiday season?

Modify desires.

Expectation breeds frustration. My desire to create Christmas morning magic for my kids and grandkids often propagates self-imposed pressure. Visions of perfect moments, meals, and reveals dance in my head, but my heart wanders from God to cracked, leaking cisterns devoid of what I truly need to be a blessing to my family (Jeremiah 2:13). What expectations can you exchange for satisfaction from God?

Guard gates.

Eyes and ears grant access to the heart—the source of life (Proverbs 4:23)—where desires and expectations dwell. What we see and hear influences our thoughts, expectations, perspectives, beliefs, doubts, opinions, stereotypes, etc. The gift of peace awaits diligent gate-keepers who refuse entrance to information and influence that defiles the heart. When I over-consume the world’s entertainment and news, fear and self-preservation dominate my heart instead of faith and sacrificial love. When I read the Bible, God’s truth informs my view of myself and others and influences my thoughts, desires, and choices. When I fill my ears with biblical teaching and instruction, my heart turns toward God and people, not away. What media do you need to limit to know and flow with God’s peace?

When Bing Crosby promises his presence at Christmas, he anticipates snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree. If I caroled at your front door, I would sing:

God is here for Christmas

With peace for you and me

Please slow down and trust him now

No matter what’s under the tree

“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ESV).