Holiday gifts needn’t be expensive
“Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.”
— Matthew 2:11 (NIV)
Christmas is right around the corner and you find your budget getting slimmer and slimmer — you might say it’s as slender as a shoestring.
Your charge card has already exceeded the max, and your Christmas spirit is dwindling fast.
I’ve had some of those Christmases.
Years ago, as a single, divorced mother, there were many times I had to prioritize my gift giving.
When an illness forced me to quit my job as a nurse, I lost my salary. My husband and I struggled with our finances that year. Christmas gift giving was really bleak in our household.
Circumstances happen in all of our lives. At what should be the happiest time of the year, tears well up in our eyes as we glance at the price tags and scratch one more gift from our wish list.
When that happens, what do we do to celebrate the “holy day?” We need some creativity to make the season bright. It’s usually when things look the darkest that they bring some of the most cherished holiday memories.
Things often look brighter in hindsight.
We must seek simple ways to make this the happiest ever by doing some gift-giving from the heart. After all, gifts are to be given from our hearts.
An inexpensive way to place a smile on someone’s face is to give them a favorite food item. A box of microwave popcorn, or favorite candy bar wrapped in festive paper can be a tasty surprise.
Pass out a chocolate kiss as a sentiment for the heart.
Make colorful coupons, sort of “IOU’s to be collected throughout the year. This can be a fun thing to do and bring some laughter as they are read. It’s a way of extending your gift-giving past Christmas.
While recently searching though a dresser drawer, I came across a small bright colored coupon that said, “One free car wash, Love Tim.” I wondered why I never redeemed that one. I wondered if it was still redeemable, because my son is much older now.
Other coupon offers might include household chores such as vacuuming, or laundry. You could offer a back rub or baby-sitting; the possibilities are endless, if you assess the person’s needs. Spend some quality time with someone. You can set a date to watch a movie.
Let’s remember the greatest gift we can give someone is forgiveness. A good example is to smile at a stressed-out store clerks, or harried shoppers. These heartwarming treasures are true gifts.
Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available for speaking to groups and events. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aolcom