The task of shopping for Christmas presents can be quite a burden at times. Somehow, one does not want to be part of the rat race of a fiercely competitive struggle any longer that ultimately one can not win. Giving used to be such joy, a long time ago when a present was a token of one’s love and dedication, then, before Christmas became all commercial.

Perhaps we all should go back to a more meaningful way of giving if only that was possible. The act of giving in its pure form, without stress and sans competitiveness. Perhaps we should think of giving blood.

The Fundació Banc de Sang i Teixits de les Illes Balears is a quango type collaboration between the Govern de les Illes Balears and the Cruz Roja Española (Red Cross). In the days leading up to Christmas, blood donors can practice the art of giving in its purest, least selfish way right in the centre of Palma de Mallorca. Today and tomorrow, a bus is parked in Porta Pintada, between Plaça Espanya and Carrer Oms daily from 10h00 to 14h00 and 16h30 to 20h30, waiting for benefactors. Give it a thought.

Happy Christmas.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: December 21st, 2009. The time was 11:37:19.