handmade christmas week 3 – art of giving

I’m switching things up a bit this year. I’m posting my Christmas gift roundup much earlier than I did in last year’s Christmas challenge. Why? Because gifts should not be about last-minute shopping sprees and one-size-fits-all gift certificates. Gifts should reflect more than a dutiful effort to select the right color sweater; they should reflect thoughtfulness. Yes, I remembered that you always wanted one of those… yes, I overheard you saying how much you loved that author… yes, I had to buy this last spring when I saw it because it reminded me of you… 

In keeping with my minimalist mantra this year, I have decided (and encourage you to do the same) to let go of the fallacy that more is better. When our focus is on how many presents we can stuff under the tree, we not only stretch our budgets but we chip away at the real meaning of the season. So this year, let’s keep 4 things in mind:

1. Develop a simple strategy for gift giving that won’t break the bank.
2. Make your gifts heartfelt.
3. Make your gifts thoughtful.
4. Plan one family gift or event which focuses on the true meaning of Christmas

1 – develop a simple strategy

Unless you live in a cave in a remote forest, then you’ve probably spied this saying floating around on Pinterest and Facebook – Something  they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read. I just love this; however, I added one more item to the list.

This is my plan for my children this year. I’d love for you to join me, and I’d love to hear the ideas you come up with!

I also came across this sweet idea for Bible verse gift tags that go right along with this theme. You can learn more about them here.

2 – make your gifts heartfelt

We’ve got a strategy for our kids, but what about the others on our lists – spouses, siblings, teachers? 

First, we need to ask, “Are gifts to absolutely all of these names I scribbled down intentional or obligatory?” I made a pact with myself several years ago, when my extended family had grown so much that Christmas shopping became a dreaded chore. I looked over my list of names – family, friends, neighbors… The list went on and on.  We can’t very well start arbitrarily crossing off family members, but what about all the others? I realized that if I bought everyone a gift that I had listed, I would be buying just to place a check by a name. That didn’t feel genuine to me. From then on, I began to look at gift giving differently. If I saw something that reminded me of someone (even in April or July!), I would buy it and tuck away for Christmas. The gift was authentic, because it brought to mind someone or something special (even if that person wasn’t officially on my holiday list!)

On the flip side of that decision, I gave myself permission NOT to give gifts just for the sake of reciprocating or fulfilling a duty. If someone I don’t expect honors me with a gift, I show appreciation and I see it as a gesture he or she wants to make. Period. I don’t rush out and buy her a discounted scarf or a best-selling novel. I say thank you.

I’ve used this strategy for a while now, and I marvel at the freedom it brings. Freedom to not only accept with grace the thoughtfulness of others but freedom to genuinely enjoy the art of giving.

3 – make your gifts thoughtful

Now that we’ve curated our list to include an authentic core of friends and family members, what’s our strategy? Easy, just be thoughtful. And if you have time, try your hand at handmade gifts.

Here is a Christmas gift roundup I think you’ll enjoy.

(This post may contain affiliate links; as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclosure here.)

For the hostess, a bottle wine is a no-brainer. But this year, wrap it in a funky dish towel. Better yet, hand stamp the towel yourself!

For teachers and neighbors, nothing beats a gift from your kitchen. Not a great cook? Personalize a mason jar with recipe ingredients.

For the spouse, I came across this idea that I totally plan to copy.

For young adults, why not something useful that’s also creative? Especially for those enjoying their first apartments. 

Too practical for you? Then go the sentimental route.

For children, these ideas stole my heart.

For friends, I’m anxious to try the following projects.

Finally, I have to add a couple more ideas, just because…

4 – plan one event or gift that focuses on Jesus

Many families already do this. They attend the Christmas play at church, they read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to their children, they go to midnight mass. It can be as simple as baking a birthday cake for Jesus. Just make it a priority to include something that will help draw everyone’s attention to what the season is truly all about. That’s why I had to add this to my Christmas gift roundup.

No matter what we do, we can never top the gift that God gave us. 

So celebrate it.