Ideas for Christmas Gift-Giving

Last week a news broadcaster said the average Canadian spends about $860 on Christmas gifts. Don’t you think it would be interesting to know what that money buys? No doubt some purchases are needed items. Some are simply nice to have. But others?

Consider the contents of a 63-page catalogue that arrived in my mailbox last week:

Imagine having to fake delight at unwrapping a gift and discovering one of the above! “Wow—a plastic squirrel head! Perfect for my garage wall. You shouldn’t have. I mean it—you shouldn’t have!”

Offer coupons for services

If the thought of Christmas shopping leaves you stressed because of money issues, consider offering a coupon instead:

Remember, Christmas gift-giving isn’t about dollar amounts. It’s about expressing appreciation and love for others, and that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.

Donate to the disenfranchised

Regardless of your budget as you plan your shopping list, remember these words,

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

Let’s keep the spirit of Christmas by remembering those individuals or families in financial need this year.

Perhaps you know someone personally in that category. If not, donate to a reputable charity that provides gifts for the disenfranchised. The Salvation Army, food banks, rescue missions, and women’s shelters are all good places to start.

This year, one of the things my husband and I will do is donate money to buy a Christmas dinner for a family that wouldn’t otherwise enjoy this meal. Our church has collected names and can give us details about the family’s size and dietary restrictions so we can buy wisely.

We’ll also buy a gift for a teenage girl living in a women’s shelter with her mom. In years past, we’ve purchased backpacks and filled them with toiletries, bus passes, mitts, etc and given them to a local organization that helps teenagers who have left home for one reason or other. We’ve also purchased gifts for kids overseas through World Vision.

Opportunities to show compassion are endless.