Creative Gifts

Creative Gifts

Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Our first Christmas in New York, I heard from another mother that the students at the local high school exchanged expensive gifts. I worked on the staff of a national ministry, so our family funds were limited. Still, I didn’t want my teens, Jay and Holly, to feel embarrassed about their inability to give gifts to their friends. Thus, one night at dinner we had a discussion about potential solutions. And I reminded them borrowing money from “good ol’ Mom” was not an option.

Holly decided to increase her babysitting and watch for sales of items her friends would like. But Jay’s work opportunities were limited, so he came up with the masculine version of Christmas baking: ten-inch M&M’S candy cookies wrapped in plastic and tied with a big red bow. He was surprised at what a hit the treats were with his friends, especially the girls, who were intrigued he could cook.

While we were pleased—even relieved—with our creative solutions to the annual challenge, we soon realized others resented our choices. In fact, one friend asked in early December if I was ready for Christmas.

“Oh, yes,” I replied.

“I just hate people like you,” she said.

I chuckled. “Grace, it’s easy to be ready for Christmas when you don’t bake, don’t buy many gifts, and don’t send cards.”

Instead of sending Christmas cards, I try to send letters throughout the year. I do resort to group letters for news about a move or important family events, adding a personal note at the bottom. And contrary to what the advice columnists say, I enjoy the group letters filling my mailbox each year.

Instead of baking my former twelve different kinds of cookies these Kentucky hips don’t need, I spend that time doing something special with friends. Instead of splurging on a zillion gifts, I often buy items for older folks and donate them through our local senior-citizens’ organization. Recently, I wrote to some of my relatives telling them I had purchased gifts for several seniors in our area who didn’t have family; I named the specific article we were giving that year, such as “Mary will receive the blue sweater she asked for.” Often, I write a check to my favorite Appalachian mission. But always I smile, remembering the One who made my celebration possible. —SANDRA

Lord, I wonder what you think of our frenzy, our long lists, our weariness. Help us to hear and accept your invitation to come away and rest awhile with you.

It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.

—MOTHER TERESA (1910–1997), FOUNDER OF MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY IN CALCUTTA, INDIA