It’s that time of year again! Everything looks so sparkly and colorful. Christmas music is playing in the background of every store you shop in. Everyone seems to be in the giving mood—especially the female shoppers. Don’t you love this time of year?
The downside to Christmas is how easy it can be to get caught up in the spirit of giving. Let me explain that better; the spirit of giving—which is a holy and pure spiritual gift—can melt in to the spirit of debt without careful watch. Debt is not holy and pure. The Bible tells us to “Owe no man anything, but to love one another” –Romans 13:8.
I know it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. I LOVE buying gifts and dread looking at my bank account when I make my list. The “spirit of debt” whispers for me to use my credit card. The “spirit of giving” reassures me that the amount paid doesn’t change the love given.
This year I asked God to help me be wise in my gift buying. My oldest girl wants a $200 pair of boots—she will learn to be content with a less expensive pair. My oldest boy wants a $199 gaming system—he will appreciate the $14.00 game for his existing gaming system. If we have to buy our children’s love then there is a breakdown in our family dynamics.
How can we keep our gift-giving holy and pure? Here are a few tips I am following this year:
Determine a budget. Write down the amount of money you have to spend and stick to it! Hide your credit cards if necessary.
Make a list of who you are buying gifts for—do you really need to buy a gift for your husband’s cousin’s friend. I don’t have the budget to buy for my six siblings and their multiple children, plus my husband’s five siblings and their children. I refuse to go into debt to buy love and acceptance (we can talk about that in another post).
Have a set number of gifts (not a $ amount) you want to spend on each person. Most people will say to set a dollar amount per person but I have learned kids don’t care how much, they care how many. If you buy for all of your extended family members, consider buying a family gift instead or exchanging names.
Have fun! Keep your motives right. If Christmas gift-giving is a competition between family members, you need a heart check. Gift-giving should be about celebrating the birth of our Savior and showing love in a tangible way.
What are your Christmas Gift Giving Tips?
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