I’m of the very strong belief that if parents asked their children what they would cherish more; their presence or the presents they’ll work three jobs to buy this Christmas; the former would prevail. There are too many children; financially rich and poor alike, whose days are filled more with things and activities hosted by adults other than their parents than the persons they recognize as Mom and Dad. Adults, either out of financial necessity to pay the bills, or too-commonly mental necessity, delegate precious time away from their children to strangers. Overall parenting is a very rewarding endeavor. But, on the real side, responsible parenting is very costly both in time and money. As the celebration of Jesus’ birth approaches, parents should consider making up a few decorative I.O.U. pull-cards containing detailed gifts that require little more than their engaged presence in the lives of their children. For example, one gift card could be good for a two-hour stroll through the park on a day the child needs it most. We've all had the proverbial bad day at school and could use an afternoon in the park just to get past the bad energy of the day. Too many parents have found it easier to check out on parenthood, and shuffle their often overwhelmed children to and from the most in-demand activity of the moment. If children had their way, most would welcome the presence of their parents than a present they will tire of far sooner than the energy expended to buy it. Too many children are numbing themselves in mentally destructive video games bought with their parents’ hard-earned money. Too many children are learning in the shadows of ill-taught friends the rights and wrongs of moral certitude; leaving bewildered, and equally out-of-touch parents wondering where they went wrong. Most often the answer is found in what wasn’t done; the offering of precious and priceless time of in-the-moment parenting. Even when a difficult, and most-often confused teen says they don’t want to spend time with you; their mood often changes after a few minutes on the expressway going no where in particular, and you taking on the inflections of a Valley Girl or whatever the current distinct characterization of the moment happens to be. It’s the reassuring presence that you’re actually there for them in the difficult and confusing times of life. Remember parents, make this a season for giving the gift of presence over presents; realizing the memory of one lasts; while the other fades.