Giving Gifts

During this joyous holiday season (ha!) some thoughts about gifts have been mulling around in my mind and I thought I'd share.  Especially since I already know that our faithful 2.5 readers think along these same lines anyway.  However, during a time that's so packed full of pressure, expectation and...capitalism, it's worth reflecting upon.

1.  Ain't Nothin Wrong With a Gift Card
I know some people think gift cards are shameless cop-outs, but I disagree.  This is all I'm sayin.  A gift card allows you to get whatever you want!  Depending upon the store, of course.  But it says, "Here.  This one's on me.  Go buy yourself something nice."  Who wouldn't like that?  This thought was recently reinforced by something my BFJ said.  I gave her a certain gift card and some certain ideas, and she said that sometimes it's nice to "have permission" to get yourself something.  You're not spending your own money; you're not spending money that perhaps should be saved and spent on the kids or the house or future education.  You're just redeeming a card.  I will never, ever turn down a gift card.

2.  It's a Gift, Not a Covenant
Here's what I think about the nature of giving a gift:  I find something that I think someone will truly enjoy, and I give it to them.  No strings attached.  If they throw it in the trash while my back is turned, so be it.  If they drive like a bat out of Hades to Goodwill as soon as I leave their house, and inflict the gift on random strangers, that's cool.  I'm not giving a gift as a subtle (or not so subtle) form of manipulation.  I give it because I hope the recipient will wear it or read it or watch it or listen to it or laugh at it or think about it or otherwise enjoy it.  Not because it gives me the upper hand and they now should feel indebted to me for something.  The key word is enjoy.  I don't get people what I enjoy; I get them what I believe they enjoy.  

3.  More Is Not Merrier
You know how certain people in your life (and we all have them) just don't get it?  Around these people, I never really drop hints about gifts because I don't want them to get me 47 of them.  I have a friend, who shall remain nameless, who likes nativities.  One Christmas, someone literally bought her dozens of different ones.  That's over the top, people.  See #2 above.  Unless it's money, freely given with no strings attached, more is not merrier.

4.  Don't Ask Me For a List
I know this is going to sound like the haughtiest, most prideful thing in the world, but I'm just gonna say it.  Don't ask me for a frikkin' list.  I'm not seven.  There are some very caring and well-intentioned people in my life (not friends) who ask me every year for a list and every year I tell them a list is pointless.  Know what I want?  A gift card!  See #1 above.  I think a list is presumptuous; it curtly says, "Here.  Buy me these things."  And it gives away what you're getting for Christmas because you're most likely getting what's on the list.  Duh.  If there was something we desperately needed, of course I would voice it.  I'm not trying to make things difficult.  It's just that I'm also not trying to come across like an entitled elementary school kid.  No offense - of course! - intended at all if you get or give lists.  Truly.  This has got to be some deep-seated personal issue of mine or something.

The Ultimate Gift is Already Ours
Mary's song in the book of Luke says that God "has filled the hungry with good things."  He is working in our lives and He is working for our good.  Even if it doesn't make sense.  Even if we are in pain, or deeply confused, or facing tough challenges.  The Son of Man, as Timothy Keller says, is the only person ever to die for someone (us).  You and I may choose how we're going to die; we may sacrificially give our life to save another.  But the hard truth is that we are going to die, somehow, at some point.  Jesus was (is) eternal.  Death was not on the table for Him until He freely chose it, on our behalf, to reconcile us to God forever.  And in Him are all good things.  The book of James says that all good things are from our Father in Heaven who does not change like shifting shadows.  Thank you, God.

5.  Life Is Not About Things Anyway
And we know this.  So if money is tight this year and gifts are out of the question, so what?  Or if things are good and you see something that, say, I might enjoy?  :)  :)  Well go for it!  Life isn't about anything tangible, other than us.  You, me, our friendship, our kids, our relationships and fun times together that God has blessed us with.  So, the pressure's off!

Merry Christmas!