Gifts That Keep Christ in Christmas

 

Gift giving can be difficult. If you’re like me, you want to keep Christ the center of Christmas but you also want to give meaningful gifts to the people you love. Here’s some gift ideas you might want to try:

• Classic Christmas Music. From Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole to Elle Fitzgerald, the oldies really are the goodies. Christian Bonus: most of the classic Christmas carols focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus! And who can resist Old Blue Eyes singing the Christmas story? It even comes in vinyl for the hipsters in your life!

• Keep Christ in Christmas by giving nativity figures. Something unusual like donkeys, cats, or chickens (see sidebar) are fun and add whimsey to a nativity scene. This is a great gift for young adults who need a starter set. The best part: you can add on every year! I love Fontanini pieces because they have such a great selection. Take a look at What Belongs in the Creche for more ideas.

• A framed photo of your loved one’s church can be a wonderful and inexpensive gift. On a recent trip to the town my mother grew up in, I took photos of her childhood church, St. Malachy’s. I think it will look great in an old-fashioned frame. I might even keep one for myself!

• Don’t forget scents. I love to give candles and essential oils scented with frankincense and myrrh.  They bring the Christmas story right into your home. You can find these at a great website called Monastery Greetings, along with lots of other great products like coffee, chocolates and fruitcakes — made in monasteries, convents and abbeys around the world.

• Give the gift of charity. A thoughtful donation to a meaningful charity can be the best gift for those people who have everything or who have little space. Think about your recipient and make it personal: A donation to the local foodshelf for a foodie, or a baby lamb or goat from Heifer International for the animal lover. Catholic Relief Services is a great organization with gifts of education, farming, clean water and much more and with 94% of donations going to programs, you know your money will be used well.

• Gifts of service. Does an older friend or relative dread dragging out the Christmas tree or putting away the decorations? Offer to help and make a fun day of it. Bring music, some favorite tea, and a smile (maybe even a kid or two to make the work lighter). Time spent together is gift to everyone.

• And of course, Something to Read is always a great gift . . try christian fiction, biblical fiction, or one of the many faith-based nonfiction titles. There’s something for everyone at your local bookstore or Christianbook.com You can also browse online at places like Ave Maria Press.  PLUS books are so easy to wrap!

• The Living Water Series is on Amazon, and can be on your doorstep in days. In A Far-Off Land is the retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son and would be a meaningful gift for any reader in your life.

Do you have a favorite gift that keeps Christ in Christmas? Share it with me (comment below or on my Facebook Author page)