Last night I had the rare treat of going Christmas shopping alone. Jeff stayed home with Dutch and I took an hour (I know, an hour’s not much but it’s a TON of time for a mommy who’s not used to having any!), and did some Christmas shopping. Since Jeff’s new job starts Monday, and the first 6 weeks of that job (until Dec. 12) will be coupled with him also being in school full time and me finishing up my last class, I figured I better do any that I can when I can.
It was so fun! I’m not exactly sure why but I think I just quit feeling pressured to find the perfect something for that someone. I had a great conversation with my sister-in-law a few months back about how silly it is to expect a certain level of gift from someone, or how silly that we put so much pressure on ourselves to find the perfect thing or make all people “equal” by spending the same amount on everyone. I tossed it all to the wind and decided three things.
1) I will first put time and prayer and effort into thinking creatively about gift giving this year. For example, I’m thinking of making Jeff’s grandma (she obviously does not read this blog, so there is no risk of spoiling the surprise) a coupon book full of tokens for “Dutch Days” now that we live near so near her and accompanying it with a “Dutch Box” of cars and books he can play with at her house. I scored a homerun for my parents (which will remain a secret since they do read this blog), giving them the only thing they cannot get for themselves. Hm…
2) I will not stress about whether a gift meets a certain “class standard” for certain people. I don’t know whether you ever feel this, but it’s just darn hard to buy neat things for classy people because you always feel like it has to be from Nordstrom, and you know what? I just can’t buy every Christmas gift from Nordstrom. So I decided I’ll take extra care in “gift presentation” and make certain a gift is from the heart and forget whether the item has the best brand name.
3) I will not stress about giving “equally”. What if I spend $30 on one parent and $50 on another? OH the horror!!! Ridiculous. Furthermore, I will simply give my gift without worrying whether the person thinks I spent enough. I can guarantee I have never once in my heart accused someone of not spending enough on me, so I dare say others aren’t doing it either. Relax!
I know that for some, even giving gifts on Christmas corrupts its true meaning. I can totally understand that. We do strive to keep gift-giving under control and keep the focus on celebrating our Savior since it’s His birthday! But I have to admit–I love giving gifts. It is a love language, and a valid one. I love the process, secretly thinking about my family members and scheming ways to bless them. I love the excuse to get them something I wouldn’t normally get them. And though materialism is always crouching at our door ready to devour us, as long as we keep our eyes on eternity I feel the freedom to partake, in moderation, in the gift-exchange that traditionally accompanies Christmas. I’m happy to enjoy the food as well, and praise my precious Savior for every last bite of it!
So anyway, nothing very deep here, but let’s just begin to think about how we want to “do Christmas.” Let’s be purposeful. If you’ve decided in your heart that gifts corrupt Christmas, do without! If you want to do something for the Kingdom of God and think globally, shop at the GFA Gift Shop and buy chickens and rabbits and goats for families in Asia. Last year we bought my brother two rabbits and two chickens, per his request! Or, if you’re going the traditional gift-giving route, put more thought than money into your gift choices. And lastly, be free! If gifts are sucking the joy out of this holiday season, something is wrong. Sit back, sip some cider, curl up with the Savior and His Word, and tell Him how much You love the seasons and every chance we have to celebrate. Ask Him for grace to see and savor Christ. ‘Tis the season.
2 thoughts on “LiveDifferent Challenge (31): Creative Christmas”
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Kari, Here is one idea that was a hit with the grandparents who have everthing! Last year we ordered note pads from Costo.com and put our girl’s pictures on them. The grandparents loved them, used them all year and they were very inexpensive. I think this is a great idea for Dad’s office as well.
Hey that’s a great idea, Heather. Hmm…I will have to look into it.