Welcome to December!
Most everyone is struggling in some way these days. Hopefully better days will come; but, for now, let's do what we can with what we've got where we are. The enemy of enjoying the Christmas season is expectation. Be frank with your children, and tell them that this is going to be a different kind of Christmas. Celebrate Jesus, and love your family and friends with gifts of time and resources. Think of unusual gifts, things recipient needs, or educational items (for the kids).
Here are some ideas to get you started....
For kids:
- Legos
- toys from historic sites
- polished stones from tourist shops
- non-fiction how-to books
- picture books
- classic chapter books
- socks and undies (Everyone needs them. ~wink~)
- pillows
- slippers
- mittens or gloves
- knit hats
- doll clothes
- matchbox cars
- ear buds
For adults:
- ingredients for recipes with recipe cards
- I once wrapped the following things individually and gave them to my mother-in-love: 2 eggs, a stick of butter, a cake mix, and a mixer. By the time she got to the mixer, she was really enjoying herself and her crazy daughter-in-law.
- gas card
- STP
- chocolate covered cherries
- warm gloves
- knit hats
- scarves
- Christmas or other CDs
- books
- Bath and Body, Hobby Lobby, or other gift card
- earbuds
- car emergency kit
- bird feeder and birdseed
Use your imagination. There are lots of things that would be nice gifts that don't break the bank. Give one or give a basket, box, or stocking full if you wish.
Whatever you do, don't go into debt for a momentary gift. The important thing is to show love and/or friendship. Your loved ones and friends don't want you to go into debt for them.
God bless you all!
Laura
Great ideas for gifts. I laughed out loud at the cake mix and ingredient story. You're right, please don't go into debt for gifts. The best gift is telling the Good News about Jesus.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
Betsy, You are so right. We foolishly went into debt when we first got married. It took us many many years to both learn our lesson and climb out of debt. It's one of the hardest things we did. We were bankrupt without declaring bankruptcy. ~grim face~ Every time I get a credit card application in the mail, it feels like an attack!Have yourself a merry little Christmas!Laura
DeleteGreat idea. I have kiddos that like getting a box of assorted in size rocks and some paints! They love making painted rocks.
ReplyDeleteI always make a lot of homemade goodies and gift to adults.
The rock idea is brilliant! I love things that unleash creativity. One of my adult sons is getting wooden spoon blanks this year. He wished for carving supplies and mentioned he wants to make spoons. Two of my other children are going together to get him the tools. I hope he has a very relaxing winter whittling away.
DeleteI'm going to do some baking, too. My goal is to make a batch, keep just a bit, and give the rest away the next day.
Sending a holiday hug!
Laura
Wow! That really hit me when you wrote that the enemy of enjoying Christmas is expectation. Beautifully put. We just barely finished up a cabinet refinishing project in the kitchen, so my Christmas budget is incredibly slim. I think you're right in saying that we need to be frank with the kids and grandkids!
ReplyDeleteDon't let yourself feel bad over a slim budget, Kelly. We all have years like that. I've never had a big or even average budget. We've always had good years. I have a friend whose family is having a Thrifted Christmas this year. No new gifts allowed unless they are made by the giver. I think that's an absolutely fabulous idea. I've always used thrifted things. It's the way my kids were raised; and fortunately, my step-mom saw great sales and thrifted items as victories!
DeleteBe blessed, my dear, and have yourself a happy, joyful, Jesus centered Christmas filled with all the peace and rest you can grasp!
Laura
These are all common-sense ideas! We've scaled Christmas down to simple stuff. I refuse to go into debt.
ReplyDelete