Something is different about me this Christmas season. As you know, I did not put up a Christmas tree- this is really out of character for me, since last year I put it up the second weekend in November. Then today I was listening to Christmas music in the car and got really annoyed. Again, this is really out of character, because I typically love Christmas music any time of the year. Maybe I'm in a strange funk, maybe I am just tired, or maybe something in me is changing. I don't know what it could be.
One thing I struggle with every year for as long as I can remember is controlling how much I spend. I LOVE giving gifts to people. It brings me so much joy to see people's faces when they get something they really like, and I was the giver. Is that selfish? And yet again, I am in the same predicament this year- I want to give, more than I can afford. Thankfully, this year I started shopping a little earlier to spread the expenses out. Otherwise it seems like I spend so much in December that it takes me a year to pay for it all and then it's time to do it again. So, spreading it out seems to be working really well. I get really sad when I know that I can't afford to get someone a gift that I know they would love. It makes me sad to put a cap on spending. I don't get this way the rest of the year, it's only at Christmas time. I wish I could give everyone who has ever done a service for me a gift. What's up with that? I would give the mail man, garbage man, babysitters, stylist, pastors, neighbors, and anyone else I could think of a gift if I could.
I know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. But I also know the season of giving is so energizing for me. So, how do I deal with this in a healthy way? How do I realize my boundaries in giving and spending because the reality is the money I do spend on gifts I could use to pay down debt or use on bills. I feel like I should give to anyone I can, but at the same time I feel like I shouldn't.
Well, that's a little into my world at Christmas time- I would love some suggestions of how others give without breaking the bank.
Babe-
ReplyDeleteI believe that you have the spiritual gift of giving. I know I joke about this all the time, but I honestly think its true in the case of giving. You have all the signs.
(ESV) is worth quoting here (maybe these could be your life's theme verses) -
We want you to know, brothers, [1] about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
I think that your heart is in a great place. Maybe you can challenge yourself to think of ways to bless others and give things that don't cost as much money.
Our tendency is to equate cost with value, but that is not always the case. Sometimes a small gift that is creative and unique is just as special as an expensive one.
The reference for that verse is 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
ReplyDeleteSteph, I am the same way when it comes to giving at Christmas. I usually have one funk of depression each season when I realize that I cannot afford to give the way I would like to. I would love to have an unlimited supply of money to go crazy and bless all of those who touch my life.I know that this is not what Christmas is all about, yet it would be sooo fun to surprise people with the perfect gift.
ReplyDeleteLast year I bought a $10 gift card for Miles' bus driver for Christmas. It was all we could budget in. He thanked me several times.... it was the only gift he received from the students. I know that this small gesture touched him but I would love to be able to give him more. He works 2 or more jobs (depending on the time of year) to support his family. He is a wonderful man who has made a real difference to my boys. They are not afraid of the bus anymore because he is kind to them and takes extra time to make sure they are comfortable with the bus experience. How fun would it be to get him something extravagant.... just to say thanks and that we appreciate what he does.
Gifts don't have to be expensive to show you care but it's hard to buy for everyone that you want to on a tight budget.