My husband hauls down the red and green Rubbermaids of Christmas happy, and the kids and I busy ourselves decorating. I love pulling out the decorations from their 11 month home almost as much as placing them around the house. Those 4 tidy little containers nestle an accurate sampling of our family’s history in memories.
When I pick out Christmas gifts for others, I like to get something that represents a bit of their own history or who they are now. Thinking how best to do this, I discover 6 things we can give for nothing that mean everything. And the best part? No one will want to return them. They are one size fits all, no assembly required.
1. Give snuggles. Grab fleecy blankets and festive hot drinks and snuggle up outside, even if it’s snowy cold. Cozy up in front of Rudolph or Elf or the fire. Hug your man, your munchkins, or your mama. Even un-touchy feely folks need an arm around the shoulders here and there.
2. Encourage a hero. Send a thank-you message to a military member and his or her family. Doing so pretty much makes you a hero, too!
3. Do your part to give peace and the benefit of the doubt. I’m not gonna lie: I have no problem doing this when you are lovely, but if you are ornery then I want to throw peace and goodwill out the window. While Jesus did not shy away from appropriate confrontation, He always confronted with the goal of better relationships. His motivation was love, His gift grace. What a gift we give by living this way, too.
4. Breath a little fresh air. Open your window or step outside and receive a hit o’nature. Yes, this is a present for yourself, but taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to those around you. Notice the beauty right outside your window and give thanks to God for placing you in this little corner of His earth.
5. Notice her. Give her a warm greeting, look her in the eye, and ask how she’s doing. Wait for her answer then ask her another question. Share your time and attention and if you have to, your words.
6. Print worthy encouragement. Click here for inspiration and prayers for blessing your family, friends, and neighbors.
7. Savor and suggest good bloggy reads. Next week, I will be doing a special Christmas series with one of the best writers on God’s green earth. Saunter over here on Monday {and maybe invite a friend or two to do the same}and see what possibilities wait for you!
What are some of your favorite free and maybe not so free Christmas gifts? In my not-so-free category, I recently discovered Mrs. Meyers Iowa Pine soap. And like a real Christmas tree, this fragrant soap helps take this Colorado dweller to the woods without me having to leave my house. I also have several pieces from Lisa Leonard’s DaySpring faith line on my gift list. Quality + meaningful + jewelry = fail-proof gift. What are your gift suggestions?
