Our Monday night group is starting to discuss a new book by Mike Slaughter, “Christmas Is Not YOUR Birthday.” Slaugher inspires readers to approach Christmas differently, “cutting back on the overspending, overeating, materialism, and busyness that rob us of our peace and joy and rob Jesus of his rightful role as the center of our celebration.”
One way to simplify this holiday season is to think about how to celebrate in a way that is more sustainable for our planet. Adult members of larger families may decide to have a gift exchange, either drawing one name to buy for or making a game of drawing gifts from a pile and then trading them. My family does this with a white elephant exchange, and have much more fun with this than we would with “regular” presents.
Some other “green” gift ideas are fair-trade coffee (available for sale here at the church), handcrafted items made by local artisans, a donation to a charity or other non-profit organization that your loved one supports, or for adults and children alike, the gift of an age-appropriate experience rather than a material object. Some suggestions could be a visit to a museum, tickets to a play, lunch at a favorite restaurant, etc. One church member says that she takes each of her grandchildren one at a time to the “palace of plastic” (toy store) and asks them to help her pick out a toy for a needy child their own age to donate to “Toys for Tots.” The grandchildren get a special outing, have the fun of shopping, and learn about generosity.
Last but not least, think about your own gifts and talents. We can be producers, and not just consumers. The gifts of your skills, time and passions can be the best gifts of all. Teach a child to crochet, do carpentry or plant a garden. Take someone on your favorite hike. Pledge to do yard work or household chores for an older person (or a busy younger one). Bake some cookies or paint a picture. Think “presence” rather than “presents.”
