For many, Christmas this year will be different. It will be frugal. It will be more thoughtful. It will be creative. Today I’ve been reflecting on how to put the true spirit of giving into our Christmas. How to give the gift of self. So I’m taking a moment to pause and really think about my loved ones and how to give gifts of love this year. So my gift to you is to share my ideas:
How to Give Gifts of Love:1. First, write down the names of those you want to give to. It’s impossible to give to everyone in the world, so be realistic.
2. Decide on your overall Christmas budget, and then write down a budget for each person. Now is not the time to go into debt. This year may be leaner for many of us, but you can still have a wonderful time together with some creative planning.
3. Consider your skills and talents. Giving a gift of service to a family member or friend, is one of the most memorable gifts you can give. With your typing skills you could type up a journal for your Dad. With your baking skills you could make a food item. With your art skills you could paint or decorate an apron or a T-shirt. With your carpentry skills you could build the shelves your wife has always wanted (hint, hint). With your computer skills you could design a website for your mom (thanks, Josh!). With your photography skills you could create a family movie.
4. Now, think of each person’s hobbies, job, favorites, or other interests. Really think. Have they been having a difficult time recently? What could make a difference? Write down what comes to mind. Do they like to cook, work in the garden, read, or play a musical instrument? Is their favorite color green? Do they love to eat? Do they have a favorite band or sport?
5. Next, pray for guidance to know what the real needs are of the person.
6. After you’ve written down some your ideas and their interests, if you still need help then go through the links below and jot down your gift ideas. Just write the gift idea and the link number below so you can find it again.
6. After you’ve written down some your ideas and their interests, if you still need help then go through the links below and jot down your gift ideas. Just write the gift idea and the link number below so you can find it again.
This year try to make Christmas more thoughtful and memorable by giving a gift from the heart. Best wishes!
#1 Read article: “Slow Down and Appreciate Christmas”
#2 Read article: “A Christmas Made at Home”
#3 Read article: “Our Best Tradition Yet”
#4 100 Home-Made Gift Ideas from FamilyCrafts.about.com
#5 Home-Made Gifts
#6 Christmas Gifts from FamilyFun.go.com
#7 Homemade Food Gifts from AllFreeCrafts.com
#8 Gift Basket Meals from Budget101.com
#9 Christmas Crafts & Handmade Gifts from Better Homes and Gardens
#10 Homemade Christmas Gifts for Tweens from MomsWhoThink.com
#11 Gifts in a Jar from OrganizedHome.com Great website!
#12 63 Gifts for Just Under $10 from BetterBudgeting.com
#13 Printable Gift Coupon Book from Kodak.com
#14 Free Printable Paper Dolls Very cute gift for a little girl.
#15 50 Homemade Gift Ideas – From Around The Web
#16 Homemade Gift Ideas from Instructables
#17 Crafts by MarthaStewart.com
#18 Craft Ideas from Joann.com
#19 25 Great Gifts for $5 or less
#5 Home-Made Gifts
#6 Christmas Gifts from FamilyFun.go.com
#7 Homemade Food Gifts from AllFreeCrafts.com
#8 Gift Basket Meals from Budget101.com
#9 Christmas Crafts & Handmade Gifts from Better Homes and Gardens
#10 Homemade Christmas Gifts for Tweens from MomsWhoThink.com
#11 Gifts in a Jar from OrganizedHome.com Great website!
#12 63 Gifts for Just Under $10 from BetterBudgeting.com
#13 Printable Gift Coupon Book from Kodak.com
#14 Free Printable Paper Dolls Very cute gift for a little girl.
#15 50 Homemade Gift Ideas – From Around The Web
#16 Homemade Gift Ideas from Instructables
#17 Crafts by MarthaStewart.com
#18 Craft Ideas from Joann.com
#19 25 Great Gifts for $5 or less