Can you imagine waking up on Christmas and finding a sticky note under the tree that simply read, IOU, Santa? Well, for many folks, this year may turn out to be a lot like that - especially if we think we have to spend tons of money to have a happy holiday. Of course we all realize that Christmas is more than presents under the tree.... it's the season to be jolly, to share the love of Christ in manger, to reconnect with family and friends. But somehow we've also included shopping and big ticket items as gifts. If your family is like the Bennetts, this year may have to be just a little different than in years past. But maybe the change will cause us all to focus on the true spirit of the season rather than the commercialism of the holidays. I read something this past week that by Gay Norton Edelman where she recommends several ways we can all have a richer Christmas without all of the outrageous expense. I've included six of her recommendations below:
From "Christmas Without Cash" by Gay Norton Edelman...
1. Manage Kids' Expectations. At a time when the financial reality requires that it has got to be the love and not the stuff that matters, let your kids know that you’re opting for a simpler, more heartfelt [Christmas] season. They can handle it. But don’t say, “We can’t afford it.” Say, “We’re choosing to keep it simple and creative this year. We’re going to focus on being imaginative aboutgifts and emphasizing togetherness, not shopping.” If you believe it, they will, too (even if they do groan and roll their eyes). Help them gain perspective by volunteering as a family (actually having contact with the people you’re helping is the best form of give-and-take there is). Collect donations for food banks or give time at an animal shelter. Show them how much you believe in their giving little hearts and prepare to be awed!
2. Make Creative Coupons. Be honest--if you had the choice between a piece of jewelry or soneone to clean out your fridge, you'd probably pict the kitchen first aid, wouldn't you? Most people would rather have more help than more stuff. Get on the computer and have a ball thinking up things you can do for people you cherish. Then write up fancy certificates or hand-lettered index cards. Give your adult son a coupon for a half-dozen freshly ironed shirts, your teenage daughter a free pass from Saturday chores, your significant other…well, use your imagination and make sure he or she opens the gift privately!\
3. Suitable for Framing. Find a nice poem or create something your loved one can frame (or polish and use one of those frames in your bottom drawer, or pick up a simple one at the dollar store). How about the serenity prayer for your 12-step buddy? Or your sister’s favorite Psalm (such as, “Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10)? Wrap and add a bow--at my house we sometimes use the Sunday comics or, for fans, the sports section, as wrapping paper--and you’re ready to rock and roll! Not long ago my friend Karen printed out a list of pithy healing statements for me in my favorite color, purple (sample, from Mother Teresa, “Intense love does not measure; it just gives”). It’s hanging in my dining room right now.
4. Name Game. The best gifts say, “I know you. I think about you. I understand you.” Several years ago I created an acrostic for my friend, Karen, making a simple poem using the letters of her first name. I did it on the computer, but if you have nice penmanship, you could do it by hand. Write the person’s name vertically, then use each letter to begin a fun, loving statement about the person. It was such a simple gift, but she had tears in her eyes when she read it. “Nobody’s ever done something with my name like that,” she said. Another option is to put the person’s name on a hat (maybe with a slogan) or t-shirt (with a favorite photo).
5. Grandma, We Love You! Have everyone—the kids, the grandkids, the in-laws—write love notes, with specifics on what they’re grateful for and what their favorite times have been. Embellish with hand drawings. Cover a shoe box with pretty paper, stuff the love notes inside, and watch the feelings flow. Or do you have a relative (like my sister-in-law Eve who never misses a birthday, anniversary, orholiday for anyone in our huge family) who likes to send as well as receive notes of good cheer? A thoughtful gift could be an assortment of lovely stationery and some cool custom stamps. (There are several sites that make them. Or just go to the post office and have them show you their assortment of commemorative stamps.)\
6. Share Your Soul. Take a page from the tradition of prayer beads. Make or buy a string of pretty beads. As you string them, one at a time, speak a special prayer “into” it; if store-bought, just touch each bead and say a prayer as you do. Make each brief prayer meaningful for the recipient (e.g. May you find true love, may you make a dream come true, may you do well in school this year, etc.). Find a lovely jewelry-sized box and present it to your loved one with a special note. Either explain that each bead has a special prayer in it or list the prayers. (I’m doing this for my sweet big sister, Anita, who totally deserves this kind of blessing.) You can use the same principle with a knitted or crochetedscarf or afghan—pray with each stitch, then present with a note on the item’s history. You could even go with recipes—copy your favorites into a pretty pamphlet, adding a prayer or a simple, affirming quote with each one, then bake one of the dishes and present it all together.
These are just a half-dozen ideas. I'm sure you can come up with many more on your own. Just keep in mind that it's not the commercial buzz that makes Chrismas special, it's the loving, sharing, caring spirit of the Christ-Child, Jesus of Nazareth.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year!
kb
