by Christa Dovel

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

Giving Green

The rolls of shiny paper, intended to be crumpled up and thrown away. Toys, overly secured in their overly packaged boxes; and the profusion of junk that rolls into my home each year. These are the things I hate about Christmas.

I believe that the purpose in celebrating this holiday is to spread peace and goodwill. Therefore, the gifts I give should not be a burden. The angels brought "good tidings of great joy," and I want the gifts I give to do the same. For me, this means thinking first about the recipient: what would be most useful or delightful to them?

For my brother-in-law, that is easy: homemade caramels and fudge. My father-in-law loves homemade cookies, and my mother, beautiful ornaments for her tree.

One of the best gifts I ever received was a subscription to a favorite magazine. Every month, there was a bit of Christmas in my mailbox. I love getting bread mixes, hot cocoa, warm socks and old books. Not just copies of old books, but first editions by my favorite authors. These worn books, once loved by others, will be cherished by me.

My children appreciate things that are real; real tools, hammers, saws, wood and nails, and quality art supplies. They appreciate something worth using and passing down. My two-year-old tells me how he is going to give his favorite metal car bank to his son, when his son is old enough to treat it nicely. By owning things worth keeping, they are learning to value and respect their property and the property of others.

To show my friend the respect I want to be shown, I remind myself that less really can be more. One well chosen gift, presented with love, is far more valuable than a large, premade gift basket, saying, "See, I did my duty."

Well chosen gifts are those that will be used. Hot pads and stoneware for the baker; and a national park pass for the explorer. The history buff on your list could use an annual pass to his local museum, while the drama queen might enjoy her local theater. She may even find a new job.

The college student can never have enough quarters; the elderly, enough visitors. The married couple could use an evening of baby-sitting, to give them some alone time. Giving thoughtful gifts does not have to be expensive.

When I haven't known the person enough to give a personalized gift, I have frequently given hors d'oeuvre sized loaves of bread, cheese balls and flavored crackers, and party-mixes, with great success. Nail polish, lip balm and pocket warmers, wrapped in something reusable, like a pair of gloves or a scarf, have been winners too. These small items are a wonderful way to show your appreciation to the teachers and maintenance workers in your life.

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