“The reinvention of daily life means marching off the edge of our maps.” Bob Black
If you know someone who is having trouble getting into the mood for Christmas, these ideas may be helpful.
1. For People With Small Children:
Make a date with your wife to go out and buy some gifts. Focus on the special time with your wife, and don’t stress about the gifts. The best gift you can give your children is to love your spouse. We always found it the most fun to give our children something we can do together, and then we give our children the gift of time during the Christmas holidays.
2. For Grandparents:
If you are a grandparent and you have developed a tradition of giving all your grandchildren gifts, you have a great opportunity! Use the whole month of December. Make a date with each grandchild who lives close to you. Tell them you need their help to buy their cousin or sibling a gift within your budget. While you are out together, don’t forget to allow time for Starbucks or ice cream. If you don’t know what to talk about say, “It’s been a long time since I was your age. What is it like?” Be more about listening than talking, and leave your phone at home. With a bit of effort you can build lifetime memories with your grandchildren that far exceed gifts and Christmas.
3. For Extended Family Functions:
Be a friendly, supportive presence. Many Christmas movies are families bickering and fighting among themselves. Go against the culture on this one. If you need to get a gift for a family gathering use this excuse to get together with a family member you have not seen recently. Tell them you need their help getting a fun gift. You goal is to listen to your family member’s stories.
4. For All of Us:
Christmas is the loneliest time of the year for many people. It is to miss loved ones who are no longer around. Deanna and I have a motto, “Our money and time go a lot farther when we help people when they need help, compared to helping people when it is convenient for us.” Be observant in the workplace, at school, and at church. Invest time and money on at least a few lonely people this Christmas.
What works for you? How can you be Jesus’ hands, feet, and voice this Christmas season?
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The Jews celebrated “a holiday for parties and fun and laughter, the sending and receiving of presents and of giving gifts to the poor” (MSG Esther 9:22b).
