When we think of Christmas, we think of children.

None of us want any child to go without a gift and a good measure of love and kindness on Christmas day.

But children aren’t the only ones who have a need to feel loved and wanted and remembered this Christmas.

Our senior citizens need that, too.

In the past, senior citizens in need were part of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. This year, that’s changed a bit.

Seniors in need in nursing homes will get a small gift from the Salvation Army, but only the most needy among recipients of Meals on Wheels will still participate in the Angel Tree program.

That means a number of our senior citizens who have been cared for in a larger way in the past will only receive a small gift this Christmas.

Like most communities, we have many in need. It’s difficult for one agency to provide for them all.

It is understandable the Salvation Army would concentrate its efforts on those who are most needy, who are homebound and more isolated from others.

Still, the holidays are a time when all our seniors, particularly those in nursing homes, may feel depressed and unwanted. Area nursing homes, like Vicksburg Convalescent Home and The Bluffs and Shady Lawn, among others, are seeking additional gifts from the community to present to their residents.

Officials at those nursing homes recommended the best gifts are items like socks, blankets, sweaters, hats and puzzles.

Christmas isn’t only about children. Let’s remember our seniors, particularly those who may not have family and who will spend the day recalling Christmases past.

Contact the nursing home of your choice to see about how you can help.

The best gift we can give to this greatest generation among us is the gift of our time and conversation, as well as a little something to open on Christmas morning.