The Ultimate Gift
Have you ever considered why we give gifts at Christmas? Thanksgiving is done and the shopping commences. “It’s just what we always do.” Stop and take a moment to recognize and treasure The Ultimate Gift. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) As the Wise Men brought gifts to honor Jesus, they established a precedent for giving gifts in honor of Him. In doing so, we remember God’s ultimate gift to humanity, His only begotten Son.
Keeping this present in your mind, the holiday rush and gathering of gifts will be ever so much more joyful. Sometimes, finding just the right gift is very difficult. Do you have people on your list who have everything they could possibly want or need? Try moving away from material things. Most of us don’t need more “stuff.” There are many, many ways to give thoughtful gifts that don’t have to break the bank. Think about skills and talents that you have. Are there things that you can make? Consumable items are good too because they won’t add to accumulating possessions. Consider experiences that someone may enjoy or something that they might like to learn. And something that we all have, that we can give, is the gift of our time. We can “gift” others our assistance in many ways. Stay focused on the why of Christmas and take joy in your gift giving. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
I love gifts of experiences. Consider things to do in your area. You could give tickets to a local museum or other spot of cultural interest. Little add-ons could be a snack bag for the day or a book for journaling interesting things they observed or learned. A fun idea is a gift card to a movie theater. You can package it with a few theater type boxes of candy. Another excellent idea is the gift of knowledge. Do you have ideas about what someone on your list might want to learn? You could give them an app for learning a language. There are many types of learning experiences both in person and virtually. One time my sisters gave me a pottery class as a gift because they knew that was something I wanted to learn. Check around your area for cooking classes, painting classes, or martial arts lessons. The possibilities are unlimited. Some people love pampering and self-care. A facial or massage might be just the right fit.
For some people on your list, the gift of your time may be the most prized gift they receive. Do you know an overworked mom? Give her a handmade gift certificate for an afternoon to herself. Take her kids on an excursion for the day. You could pair it with some calming essential oils or some bath bombs. Some older people may be in need of someone to help them around the house. Gift them a day of yard work or have them make you a “to-do” list for chores around the house.
Have you ever considered sustainable gifts? Practice good stewardship by visiting thrift shops, vintage stores or antique and collectable shops. Up-cycling and vintage is currently all the rage! You can find many inexpensive items that can easily be refinished, refurbished, or made into something completely different. An interesting bowl or container can become a potted plant. An old wooden cutting board can be sanded and re-oiled and paired with a jar of olives and some crackers and cheese (aged Gouda or Asiago are good options not requiring refrigeration). Find a quality frame and add a print or photograph. Don’t forget that you may even be able to negotiate a better price.
Handmade and homemade items are a favorite. Use your skills and show someone that you cared to take the time to make something personally for them. Do you knit? Make a scarf to match their favorite jacket. Do you like to embroider? Embroider them a picture of their home or maybe their “fur-baby.” Are you talented with woodworking? Make them a wall shelf to display their nick-nack collections. One year I sewed calico bunnies and teddy bears for my nieces and personalized sweatshirts for my nephews. I also like making Mason jar mixes with recipes for soups, cookies, and more. You layer the dry ingredients in the jar and attach the directions for the recipient to complete the preparation. A few ideas are below.
Find joy and blessings in the gifts you give this holiday season! Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. (Luke 6:38) I wish you and your family a beautiful, joyful, and blessed Christmas!
Do you have any great gift ideas to share? Please feel free to leave comments.
