by Jennifer Hinders

Created on: November 20, 2011

Christmas time can be an extremely painful time of year for those in need.  The current economical crisis has hurt many families financially. Consequently, there are an increasing number of folks in need this year.   Many of these needy families live in our own neighborhoods.  We can be a wonderful means of help and hope to these families during the holidays by giving them Christmas gifts.  It’s important to consider how to give Christmas gifts to needy neighbors without embarrassing them or hurting their pride. Two of the best ways to accomplish this is to give in secret and to give Christmas gifts to their children.  

Give in secret

One of the easiest ways to ensure your neighbors pride wont’ be hurt by your Christmas gift is to give in secret.  Leave the gift at the front door of their home so they will find it as they leave the house. Gift baskets, baskets of fruit, sleds for the kids, bags of toys or a just a card with a gift certificate to a grocery store are all wonderful Christmas gifts for the needy.  Get your church group involved in the giving. Gather clothes, food or gift cards for the family, and then set the gifts outside the house with a note from Santa. 

Give gifts to the kids

Needy folks are often very willing to accept Christmas gifts for their children.  It’s an especially difficult time of year for these parents.  The pain of not being able to provide Christmas gifts for their kids is hard.  Tell your neighbor that you know they are going through a rough time and want to help.  Ask them if it’s okay to give toys to their kids for Christmas.  Surprisingly, many folks will say yes at Christmas more than any other time of the year.  You might even ask them to go along to help you shop if they seem comfortable with the suggestion. Make sure to give Christmas gifts that are suitable for their children’s ages. Also remember to include batteries for toys.  

Christmas time is especially difficult for needy families.  No doubt, this year will be a painful holiday for many families without jobs or struggling financially because of the economical crisis.  It’s the perfect time of year to consider helping out a needy family in your neighborhood.  There are many ways to do this without hurting their pride or making them feel embarrassed. Quite often the best way is to give in secret.  Plus, parents in need are often willing to receive Christmas gifts for their children. Why not help out a family in need in your neighborhood this year?  You will receive the greater blessing by doing so.  

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