My husband hauls down the red and green Rubbermaids of Christmas happy, and the kids and I busy ourselves decorating. I love pulling out the decorations from their 11 month home almost as much as placing them around the house. Those 4 tidy little containers nestle an accurate sampling of our family’s history in memories.
When I pick out Christmas gifts for others, I like to get something that represents a bit of their own history or who they are now. Thinking how best to do this, I discover 7 things we can give for nothing that mean everything. And the best part? No one will want to return them. They are one size fits all, no assembly required.
1. Give snuggles. Grab fleecy blankets and festive hot drinks and snuggle up outside, even if it’s snowy cold. Cozy up in front of Rudolph or Elf or the fire. Hug your man, your munchkins, or your mama. Even un-touchy feely folks need an arm around the shoulders here and there.
2. Encourage a hero. Send a thank-you message to a military member and his or her family. Doing so pretty much makes you a hero, too!
3. Do your part to give peace and the benefit of the doubt. I’m not gonna lie: I have no problem doing this when you are lovely, but if you are ornery then I want to throw peace and goodwill out the window. While Jesus did not shy away from appropriate confrontation, He always confronted with the goal of better relationships. His motivation was love, His gift grace. What a gift we give by living this way, too.
4. Breath a little fresh air. Open your window or step outside and receive a hit o’nature. Yes, this is a present for yourself, but taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to those around you. Notice the beauty right outside your window and give thanks to God for placing you in this little corner of His earth.
5. Notice her. Give her a warm greeting, look her in the eye, and ask how she’s doing. Wait for her answer then ask her another question. Share your time and attention and if you have to, your words.
6. Print worthy encouragement. Click here for inspiration and prayers for blessing your family, friends, and neighbors.
7. Savor and suggest good bloggy reads. Next week, I will be doing a special Christmas series with one of the best writers on God’s green earth. Saunter over here on Monday {and maybe invite a friend or two to do the same}and see what possibilities wait for you!
What are some of your favorite free and maybe not so free Christmas gifts? In my not-so-free category, I recently discovered Mrs. Meyers Iowa Pine soap. And like a real Christmas tree, this fragrant soap helps take this Colorado dweller to the woods without me having to leave my house. I also have several pieces from Lisa Leonard’s DaySpring faith line on my gift list. Quality + meaningful + jewelry = fail-proof gift. What are your gift suggestions?
Love it, Kristen! It’s SOOOOO easy to be overtaken with the swirl of “shopping” for the gifts – I actually cringe that it’s THE Christmas TOPIC, “Are you done Christmas shopping yet?” I LOVE LOVE LOVE your gifts. That’s what it’s all about. Thank you!!!!! Christy
We have to mail most of our gifts, so I doubly hear what you’re saying. It most definitely feels like a swirl of shopping!
This year my free gift from my hubby is being home for Chirstmas. I have many friends who do not get that this year and so I do try to give the gift of a heart felt message. Love your gift ideas.
There’s no better gift than home! We’re so thankful your man is home with you and the boys. Merry Christmas, Tricia!
I really think that I have a discernment for gift giving. 🙂 I try to actually listen to my friends when they talk and remember their passions and likes. So, my gifts that do cost something are meaningful to them. Sometimes, God will speak a particular book or Bible study or CD that applies to the season they are in. My free gifts are usually my words. That’s good b/c I have a lot of them! Haha! I am a pen and paper kind of girl so I write note cards like crazy! I give them for Birthdays and just because. They can be words of encourage or prayers or even specific truth that The Lord gives me for them. I LOVE gift giving! It’s my love language. 🙂
Karina, you are some kind of amazing friend. Thanks for being a gift to *all* people in your circle of influence!
The past few years have been a little tight for my family financially…the recession, blah blah blah…yep. It compelled me to think a little harder about my Christmas spending – not that I was ever out-of-control, but I never minded spending a little extra on my dear ones.
But this discomfort, in a way, became a gift: I rediscovered the joys of a handwritten letter. It’s a lost art, really…one that has borne a new tradition! Letters to my dear ones – at Christmas, birthdays, and the important holidays in-between. And now that I’m making my own (modest) paycheck at college, I have a bit more leeway with my spending money…so if I see something worthwhile, I pick it up. But my family knows that gift or not, there’s always a letter…and they cherish these more than anything I buy.
Oh, and I’ll bet you get this, but the very act of writing? Well, it makes me stop and ask myself why *exactly* I love my mama, why I can’t be angry with my friend and write her an “I love you” at the same time (hint: I need to let it go), what my brother should know (at the age of eight) about Christmas…
Anyway, that’s me. My favorite on your list is #5, especially this – “…if you have to, your words.” Agreed, agreed! Presence is a priceless gift. And words aren’t necessary all the time (yep, even though I just wrote you a soliloquy about letters :P) Nope – not necessary except when they bless, like you’ve managed to do here 😉 As one of my best buds says (hehe), “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph 4.29).
You are joy personified, Sonika. Thank you for always bringing some here ~ you are a gift and a treasure!
Wonderful ideas and I’m checking out the Meyers site now! Love a good clean pine smell!
Lorretta at Dancing on the Dash
I sort of knew about Saint Nicholas but so appreciate your good information and the books about him too!! and Thank you for the seven free gifts that no one wants to return. Your message is always a blessing,
Irene in Woodland Park Co