As this years "Black Friday" nears an end, I am amazed at the lengths people will go to as they seek out the bargains. Every year seems a little more crazy than the last as people camp out in front of the stores days in advance of the sales. Thanksgiving seems to have been swallowed up in the commercialism of the holiday season.
I understand that in this economy people are seeking the best deals as they plan for their Christmas giving. I know that some people aren't going for the sales as much as they are enjoying the excitement of the hunt.
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love searching for just the right gift for each person and finding all sorts of unusual and creative items for each person's stocking. To me the greatest joy of Christmas is "giving", but I have to admit that my giving has been directed primarily to my family and friends. I also know as a "grammy" that I can easily get wrapped up in the gift buying frenzy because I love giving to my grandchildren. My gift giving to them can really go over the top if I'm not careful.
As this Christmas approaches, we have decided to make some changes in our gift-giving habits. This Christmas we want to help our grandchildren experience not just the receiving, but the giving part of Christmas. Our church is supporting Angel Tree ministry this year and we plan to pick 4 "angels" off of the tree that are close in age to our 4 grandchildren. Then we are taking them shopping with us to buy the "angel" gifts and wrap and deliver them. As we share this experience with them, we'll be modeling the real meaning of Christmas giving.
There are so many ways that families can give to others during this season. If you live in the Dallas area you can support many different kinds of ministries that help others, like Jonathan's Place or KLTY's Christmas Wish, your local food pantry or your area Toy Drive.
I encourage you to not let the commercialism of this season mask the real meaning of Christmas...the birth of God's Son in Bethlehem or keep you from discovering the joy of giving to others. Remember that what you model for your children will help them become the people that you and God want them to be.
