Choose to Give Gifts of Value

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Hand holding gift box - free from FlickrMost of us are in the midst of Christmas shopping. Choosing the right gift for someone can be a challenge. Those of us who don’t have money to buy expensive gifts to lavish on loved ones or even put a dollar or two in Santa’s Salvation Army bucket may feel a little down. But do not despair! There are gifts you can give that cost little or nothing, yet are very valuable.

Here’s a list I’ve come up with, and I’m sure you can add your own ideas. Just because you can’t buy gifts for others doesn’t mean you don’t have something to give. Think about giving the following…

Smiles: Smiles are a universal language. Not only do smiles lift spirits, they are contagious. Statistics show that a person who is given a smile will more than likely give one to someone else. So as the old song goes, “Smile, darn ya, smile!”

“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” (Psalm 32:11)

 

Handwritten Note of Appreciation: Has someone done you a kindness? Why not give them a handwritten note of appreciation? With e-mail and text messaging being the norm for communication today, a hand written note could turn out to be a collector’s item.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Philippians 1:3) 

 

Encouragement: Words like “you did a great job,” “thank you for your help,” and “don’t you look nice today” can make someone’s day.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 

Laughter: Why not clip and share a funny, yet tasteful, cartoon with someone? Sharing a laugh can even improve one’s health. Studies show that those who laugh more live longer.

“A merry heart is good medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22)

 

Patience: Try not to get irritated with ANYONE for the whole holiday season. Don’t raise your voice in anger or lash out at others. We all make mistakes from time to time, so we don’t need others constantly pointing them out to us.

“In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:10) 

 

Benefit of the Doubt: Think the best of others for a change. Don’t impute motives or assume they are doing things to deliberately upset you. Sometimes we just take things the wrong way.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) 

 

Give People a Break: Open the door for someone. Let someone go ahead of you in line. Give the other guy the parking space. It won’t hurt you as much as you think.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

 

Visit One Person in a Nursing Home: So many that are in nursing homes have no one to visit them. Our dream as a young person is not to end up old and alone. Ask the nursing home attendant if there is anyone who never has visitors, then visit a little with that person. Listen more than talk. The elderly love sharing childhood stories. They are living history lessons.

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’” (Matthew 25:39,40)

 

Forgive: Remember that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Let go and let God take care of it.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” (Matthew 6:14)

 

Be a Living Example of Jesus Christ: Be a reflection of Christ. Let others see that Christ is alive and living in you. What a great gift to give to others!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) 

 

Consider this… ‘Tis the season to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Christ. Remember to thank God for Jesus, His gift to the world.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

 

Wrapped Presents from Print Master

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Not much money? Here are some inexpensive ideas for giving this holiday season.

  • Give a candy cane and a smile to people you come in contact with during the Christmas season.
  • Give a coupon good for a night of babysitting, one free house cleaning, a hug when needed, a home cooked meal, a free car wash, etc.
  • Give a zip lock bag of homemade cookies to others with a recipe card. If it’s a family recipe, write a memory about these cookies your mother or grandmother used to make.
  • Give two heartfelt notes in envelopes with “why I love you” or “why I’m glad you’re my friend” or “why you make the world a little brighter” or something similar written on them. On one write “open now” and on the other write “open on January 1” or six months from now or whenever you would like it opened.
  • Give a compliment, say thank you, listen to others, and be respectful. You may think these gifts are insignificant, but in today’s society they are priceless treasures. Just remember – it’s not what you give from your wallet that counts as much as what you give from your heart.
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