GIFTS THAT HONOR THE ULTIMATE GIVER

A good way to kick off the year 2008 would be to have frank talk with the most important people on your Christmas list. How was your Christmas? Did you enjoy your gifts? Can you even remember what your gifts were? How's your credit card hang-over? Would you like to make a change?

Christmas is about giving, not consuming. It is about light and love, not about competing to see who can give and get the most opulent gifts. If you and your loved ones can discuss your priorities, you may be able to come up with a plan that will make Christmas 2008 more meaningful for everyone.

Some possibilities:

1. Form a group and draw names instead of giving gifts to everyone. Pool the money you save to donate to a pre-determined project.

2. Form a group to sponsor a foster child for a year instead of giving gifts to each other. Meet monthly to compose your letters and talk about your experience.

3. Agree to cut the Christmas gift budget by 50% and use the balance to pay bills (yours or someone else's) or make a charitable donation.

4. Instead of buying gifts, donate items for a multi-family garage sale and use the proceeds to help a needy family.

5. Agree to give only gifts that you have made yourself. Start making them now, and continue over the year. Not only will you avoid the last-minute rush, but you will be giving a piece of yourself along with the gift.

6. Agree to give each other IOU vouchers for services such as gardening, baby-sitting, transportation, cooking, or outings.

7. Invest in a special outing instead of expensive gifts. This will create closeness and good memories.

8. Discuss ways of giving Jesus a birthday gift that He would appreciate.

9. Along with your gift, include a letter telling the recipient how s/he has been a gift in your life.

10. Have a baking party and distribute your productions to your neighbors. Stay and chat if they are so inclined. Who knows they may volunteer to help you with a Christmas project next year!

Learn more about this author, Christine G..
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