We all have our various reactions to the holiday season and the expectations that come with it. The December holidays – no matter which holiday, if any, you celebrate – is chock full of images that we may or may not relate to, and messages about how to celebrate, with whom, and just how outwardly festive it all should be.

But there is another, sometimes quieter side to the holidays. In addition to creating an opportunity to spend time with friends and family, the holidays are also a time where we can think about what it is that we value and how those values are reflected in our everyday lives.

This is where the spirit of generosity enters the holiday season – far removed from the commercialization of the holidays and the frantic shoppers edging each other out in parking lots and stores. This is a time when many people focus on giving to others, particularly those whose needs are greater and resources are less than our own.

At The Center, we are truly fortunate to benefit from our San Diego community’s generosity. Our community lives its values all year long with its support of The Center’s programs and services. With commitments of time, talent and resources, Center volunteers and members make sure – every day – that The Center continues to be a safe place for our entire LGBT community to access important, and often life-altering, information and services. We are grateful to them beyond measure, and the holidays are a perfect time for us to say, simply and sincerely, thank you to them all.

I often ask people why they are involved at the levels they are; why they give what they do. When I think about all the ways people give to support all of our community’s organizations, I am incredibly proud to be a part of this community.

Some of us give to feel a sense of belonging, to be part of something greater than ourselves. Others want to participate in making change happen, to help those who have less opportunity or to just know that they’ve made a difference in one life. Others view their contribution – of time or money or both – as a way to stand up and create political power or justice. Still others want to build a safe future for our youth, or to ensure that there are programs in place for our seniors, our women, our Latino/a brothers and sisters and those who need health or mental health services. Some want to keep a promise they made to end HIV/AIDS.

I am so proud to lead an organization that does all of that. Our staff, board members and volunteers make a difference every day. They give their time, their talent, their resources and their money. It is incredible to me that 100 percent of our staff and board contribute funds to make even more work possible. They are working to create policy changes that ensure LGBT people are treated equally. They are creating safe and welcoming places for our entire community. They are serving those who need help, and working hard to prevent the spread of HIV. And to all of them, I also say thank you.

During this holiday season, many of us will be going home and spending time with friends and family members who may not be supportive of LGBT people and who may not even know about our own sexual orientation. With all that we have faced in the past year, and knowing that we have major battles ahead in the next year, it is more important than ever for us to give of ourselves to those folks as well – to tell the truth about who we are, what our lives are like and how we are impacted by anti-LGBT rhetoric and policies.

That may be the most lasting gift of all.