A Gift

 

I think we have lost the meaning of what a gift is.....for some strange reason we think a gift is something we choose and then tell someone so they can get it for us.

But in fact a gift is something the giver has chosen for you to have......Maybe it is something they think you might need or like or it reminds them of you.

Not only do we expect gifts in this day and time but we expect them to be exactly what we want and like.   

We have our children make list so we can make sure their gifts will make them happy.....that we will make no mistakes.  This actually causes them to concentrate on their never ending list of wants & we stress over fulfilling the list.

What about teaching them to graciously recieve what others give them as a token of thoughtfulness regardless rather they love it or not!  Have them make list of who they are giving to and come up with creative gifts that fit that person.

Don't let the conversation in your home center around what they want or the "getting part" of Christmas. Steer them away from the self centered focus that so many of us have carried over into adulthood. Teach them instead to be good givers and gracious receivers of the gifts they get.

In other words quit asking...."what do you want for Christmas"? Who started that anyway?  It sure got the focus off the true meaning...  And then to top it off someone came up with a grand idea of making a wish list......and we have NEVER out grown them either.  How about a contentment list!......  I threw that one in for myself! 

Here are a few good practical gift giving tips that have been passed on to me about gift giving.

• Give one need, one want & one surprise. Not only does it simplify the shopping which means less stress but expectations are kept at a reasonable state.   
•  As families grow and change reevaluate your giving.  It is hard on young families to buy multiple gifts.  
• Establish the fact that a gift does not have to be an item......It can be a meal,  going to a movie, a service or task for another person. 
• Make a budget.....you knew it was coming...AND stick to it.....on Dec. 26th you will be glad you did. 

Christmas is a good time for giving.  After all, we are celebrating the greatest gift ever given.....JESUS!   But the world has managed to change a joyful time of giving into a stress-filled frenzy.  Let's do our part in putting gift buying and receiving back into proper perspective in our families.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life". (John 3:16)

Comments

[Lynette]

I love this post...I wish I could just copy and send it to everybody I care about...I think we made the magic go out of the Christmas season because our focus got so messed up.

[Angie]

Oh, I love this! I was just telling my mom yesterday how much I hate the Christmas list. It makes everything so self-centered and impersonal. I love to put thought into my gifts... and it means truly KNOWING the person you're giving to so that you can pick something out that fits them perfectly!

Thanks for sharing!

[Rebeckah]

Such a brilliant post : ). Great reminder. Love the idea of one want, one need and one surprise.

I did have Kaish and Gary make lists for me. Before we made the lists of what they wanted we made lists of what we were giving to others and that was so much fun!

We are also spending less on gifts for everyone so we can get presents for Quince's kids. Kaishon is SO excited to share his Christmas with that family!

[Sara Bowyer]

great words today and just reenforces what we have decided to do with our family this year!

[Fuschia]

Great post!
I knew there was a reason for #18 on my 25 Questions post ;)

[d]

Thank you for the reminder. I am going to make a giving list with my boys today.

[Jen@OurDailyBigTop]

Great reminders. I am so glad to have found you and your blog. Great tips. We are doing a gift exchange this year with siblings and cousins. Love the one need, one want and one surprise idea. I have friends who give their kids 3 gifts, just like baby Jesus got 3 gifts.

[NancysLostandFound]

Amen, sister!

[Andrea]

Fabulous post! Our children are young, so now is the time to implement the ideas of proper gift giving. Thank you for always offering such wise advice!

[Queen B]

You nailed it. We've taken the joy out of the giving and the receiving.

Thank you for writing this post...it is most certainly a gift!

[duchess]

Such good advice. I love it.
It's really hard to keep our children's focus on the important things during this time of year but we keep trying.
Thanks for this post & have a great day.

[Shannon]

Good thoughts and ideas! Great post.

[PaulaW]

Excellent post Jules! I've been very blessed by the fact that my kids have never been 'obsessed' by Christmas lists and wishes etc. We struggled mightily in the early years just to provide the basics. They were always pleased with whatever they got for Christmas. And it always included clothes and shoes - and one very small 'surprise'.

My niece and nephew on the other hand have always gotten (not really because they demanded it - in the beginning anyway) the newest latest greatest - PlayStation, XBox, Wii - whatever. My 14 yr old nephew got an iPhone for his birthday - because over the years he'd been taught to expect it, even when you cant afford it. My kids look at them in utter amazement and wonder why they are that way (not only my niece and nephew, but my brother).

Sorry -- climing down off my soapbox now. Didnt mean to take over your blog with my rantings. It just came out.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with many blessings. I know a visit from Mr Perfect will make it a perfect Christmas indeed!!

[Sit a Spell]

Tell it Sista! "WE" do have Christmas way out of wack, if you will, from where it ought to be. "WE" need to refocus and remember that HE gave the ultimate gift of HIS son for us. We take part in Operation Christmas Child which is an amazing project headed by Franklin Graham. It's a good thing to think of others.

[Valarie Lea]

I believe this is one of the best post I have read yet, this Christmas Season.

[Darlene]

I absolutely LOVE your post....I do tend to get caught up in the Christmas frenzy of buy, buy, buy! We always sponsor a needy family and I do hope we make their Christmas a bit brighter!

Our focus for the season does need to get back on the real meaning!!!!

[shelley]

You have such a gift Julie. thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I can't wait to sit down with my girls and get started on their "giving" list! And reminding them that it is better to give than to recieve!

[Terry]

Great post (like always). I agree that we have done our children (and adults)a great disservice by encouraging give me, give me, give me and not teaching how to graciously accept a gift and be truly thankful to the giver.
P.S. Thanks for the post about the Cozy Coupe for your little sweetie. I was having a hard time deciding what I wanted for Olivia and that was the perfect inspiration.

[Yvette Adams]

Wonderful Post!!! I just wish I could get some of my family to get it!! Every year we exchange $10.00 gifts and it is so crazy! We all are so blessed with incredibly nice homes, cars, etc. And if we took ALL of the money that we spent on gifts (there is alot of us) we could help a couple of families! I love Christmas~ but I love the TRUE Christmas!
MANY Hugs to you girl for this post!
Yvette

[Meg @ Spicy Magnolia]

This is a great post! Especially as we prepare to become parents, the practical tips you gave are most helpful...I love the idea of the giving list and helping teach kiddos to think creatively, cheerfully and generously about giving. Truly, this is great!

[Ms.Tee]

What a great post! We really try to do this, but you have some great new ideas. Love the contentment list! :)

[Kathy]

We are implementing the "one need, one wish, one surprise" this year. The funny thing is that I don't know where I got this idea . . . then here it is on your lovely post . . . I will just thank you for the terrific idea!

[Cathy]

Amen and Amen Sister!

[Nicole@On The Run]

When are you going to write a book?!

Thanks for sharing your God-given wisdom with those of us fumbling in the dark:)

[cherry]

Excellent points! Love the need, want, and surprise. cherry