December 2021

Oh to be A giver of Extravagant Gifts!

I have always loved Christmas! I love the way that people, in general, seem happier this time of year. You can even speak with total strangers and they will respond in a positive manner. There is a different feeling in the air and it is very contagious. It is spread by a greeting or a smile.

Along with all my memories of Christmas; decorations, baking, cooking, and gathering, I have memories of giving and receiving gifts. In my childhood, I did much more receiving than giving, due to a lack of funds. Then there was a period where I bought into the commercialism and thought the more you give someone, the more love you show. It did not take me long to figure out you cannot put a price tag on love. I learned to give gifts from the heart, and some of them do not cost me a penny! 

As you reminisce, make a list of traditions that you might enjoy sharing with your family. Here are some of the life secrets I have learned about giving at Christmas or anytime: Select a gift that would most benefit the recipient:

• My neighbor is a single mom who recently moved in next door. My husband and I are having her and her son over for a meal. I am sure they will not eat much, but hopefully when they leave their hearts will be as full as their bellies!
  Cost: Groceries for two more and a small gift for her 8 yr. old son – $25.
• We have friends who are expecting another child…number 10. My husband and I will go to their house so mom and dad can have a date night (babysitters for 9 are few and far between). With a new baby weeks away, it is important for them to have time to get away and reconnect, even if it is for just a few hours.
  Cost: Frozen pizza dinner and ice cream for 9 children – $30.
• Scheduling time for the whole family to visit a nursing home. These are the forgotten souls of our society. Their family can only stay so many hours per day, some of them do not even have family. Loan them yours, go and sing Christmas carols, have one of your children read a Christmas book or Luke Chapter 2. It might be the most personal gift they get this year. Cost: Some gas for travel and some of your time – Less than $10.
• Arrange a visit to the children’s shelter. These children are here by no doing of their own and are separated from their family. Go and deliver clean used toys that your children choose (while cleaning their rooms) to pay it forward. Toys and games that are no longer being used make awesome gifts for those who are in a sad situation.
  Cost: Some gas for travel and some clutter from your home – Less than $5.

These are just my examples; create your own idea list based on your family and your circle. Meeting people where they are, reaching out, impacting their life and sharing the Christ of Christmas – PRICELESS.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17
You see, it is not the cost of the gift that makes it extravagant, but rather the value placed on that gift by the recipient. It makes me chuckle to think that now, I enjoy giving more than receiving! I pray that you and your family have a rich, full, and blessed Christmas!
May you know the Christ of Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!