I know I’m a month late for a post on giving intentional gifts, but I can’t skip a Christmas post! So Merry Christmas! I hope you have much needed time with family and joy this Christmas season, now until January 12th, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Joy and Gratitude for the Greatest Gift
Sharing joy, quality time, and giving gifts are a tradition of so many families. I pray that many families also have traditions of mass, prayer, and preparation for the coming of Jesus. The reason we share all of this joy and give to one another each year is to show our gratitude and joy for Jesus’ incarnation, the greatest gift.
In the Greatest Commandment that Jesus gives us, we are called to love God and love our neighbor. Prayer and preparation for Christmas, and joyful celebration and gratitude during the whole Christmas season is a great way to live out our love for God.
Love of Neighbor
Giving gifts this time of year also is a great way to show love of neighbor. After all, gift giving is one of the five love languages and a great way to show your appreciation for loved ones.
If you are like me though, gift giving is my weakest love language. I am terrible at giving gifts, and I am also awkward at receiving them. So this list is for future me. Hopefully you find it useful too, for holidays, birthdays, and so-on.
Here are five categories of gifts to spark thoughtful ideas for those you love.
1. Practical and Helpful Gifts
The best gifts for anyone who is following a budget this year are those gifts that were already line items in the budget. This is a great way to lighten the financial burden and stress of gift-giving for those you love.
Since I was 16, I remember being pleasantly surprised to receive a gift card for the gas station. I liked knowing that the next tank or two was covered so that I could save the little money I was making from working after school to go out with friends or just save up.
This is even a good gift for adults who had to travel quite a distance to visit with family for the holiday season. Airline gift cards would be a cool idea as well.
Another way you could get a practical gift is to buy something that you know the individual was hoping to have but just wasn’t ready to break the budget on. A tool, a gadget, whatever it is, something that you know it will get lots of use.
Clear out a line item for your friends and family, and you are giving the gift of a little less stress!
2. Events or Food – Clutterless Gifts
Events could be a movie night, ski passes, or even just an evening of free babysitting. Give something to treat people to an experience that will bring quality joy. Food is self-explanatory.
The reason I lump these two things together is the reason I love them as gifts.
NO CLUTTER
How often do we get new trinkets and items that add to the other things in our home. If you give a gift to someone, it is nice that you thought of them, but also think if they have a place for this item.
I often receive a gift, and then after joyfully receiving it of course, my joy turns to amazement at all of the packaging that comes with everything. That leads to my third category.
3. Gifts that Aren’t a Waste
Quality over quantity.
I was recently reflecting on how few people still own any family heirlooms. This made me sad because there is a trade-off of meaningful family history for the clean cut look of Ikea. Quality furniture that was built to last is getting dusty in attics or has been given to thrift stores and antique shops. It would be way more meaningful in the homes of the family.
Giving gifts with the future in mind is so valuable. Is this something that they can hand down? Does it’s value transcend today? If not, it is likely easily replaceable and your thoughtful gift will turn into trash, clutter, or be returned.
Save your family the time and trouble of awkward returns, re-gifting, or clearing out the clutter of your gift next year. Get them something that will last. Even better, give them something you already have that is of value and they will likely cherish that and pass it down to future generations.
I’m not sure if that last part was enough to spark ideas, but here are some examples:
- Quality watch that belonged to Grandpa
- Family jewelry
- A wooden chest, chair, or other quality furniture
- A book that you read and loved
- Old family photos
4. Gift of Faith
For those of faith, religious items are always a classic gift. This year, my parents gifted my family a nice antique advent wreath of ceramic and wire for us to use this Christmas season and next year when Advent starts back up. Spiritual and religious books are always great gifts too. That will give a great foundation of prayer going into the new year.
However, if the giftee in mind already has so many rosaries and Saint statues that it is borderline hoarding, consider the gifts above.
5. Gift of Quality Time (Nothing)
In a dream world, where gift giving was not as much of an obligation as it seems to be, there would be the gift of quality time. Nothing is something that doesn’t exist much today. To do nothing together though is one of the most meaningful and amazing gifts you can give. Time to do nothing together makes lasting memories.
If nothing is too intimidating of a gift, if it is too bold to show up with empty hands, there are some physical alternatives. A puzzle is a nice way to have everyone sitting together in quality time without the burden of starting conversation. Puzzles, as well as a fire in the fireplace, can be something entertaining enough to keep everyone engaged, but not so stimulating that it is impossible to have deep conversations. Beer, wine, or other special beverages to share can be a gift that implies, “I want to spend quality time in conversation with you while we appreciate a nice drink.”
Anything that brings everyone together as a family is a great gift in my mind.
Intentionality is Key
In the end, any gift is worth giving if it is intentional. It is having the other in mind that matters. Whether your intention is to bring family together or closer to God, its for them. Homemade, store-bought, or nothing, there are so many routes to go that are meaningful, but what were the wise men were thinking giving a baby gold, frankincense, and myrrh? I doubt they asked themselves any of these questions.
I hope this list helps you to give more intentional gifts to those you love this Christmas and beyond.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from aFIREofFaith!
