Giving Presence...

Gift Ideas For Relational Giving

The gift of time –

• Create a fun certificate stating the gift of time you want to give, for example, help with a project around the house or help with errands. Bring coffee, tea of lunch and flowers when you come, be intentional about really connecting while you’re together!

Here are some ideas for spending time together:
• Wrap popcorn, gourmet root-beer and a classic DVD for a movie night with a friend
• Host a Hockey Night in Canada party and make homemade pizza
• Wrap 2 copies of a used classic book to read with a friend
• Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and take a walk through the Christmas lights in Victoria Park with friends or family

Give creative coupons:
• Babysitting for a worn out sister-in-law, sibling or neighbour
• Yard work for an elderly person in you life
• Massage for that person who has been working a bit too hard lately
• Road trip to go on an out-of-town adventure with your child
• Car maintenance to change the oil in a friend’s car (if you know now)
• House project to help build a shed, clean the garage, closets etc.

Give a certificate for a day together doing something that person is passionate about:
• A new bat and a trip to the batting cages
• A new guitar strap and trip to the guitar center to play guitars together
• A day trip with your cameras for the photographer friend
• A day hike together, you bring the lunch

Things to make with the kids:
• Simple scrapbook with pictures of time with the person you’re giving it to
• A home “published” story, written and illustrated by the kids, the time you spend with the kids creating it is priceless
• A DVD of your life these days for long distance friends and family

Ask yourself:

“What can I DO?” “What do they like to do?”

A side note:
This isn’t about creating a bunch of new rules to be legalistic about for Christmas. It’s ok to spend some money (in fact sometimes creating something cool can be much more expensive – so be aware of that) don’t create a whole separate set of pressures, worry and guilt by feeling like you can’t spend a dime. Just step out of the consumerism, be thoughtful and enjoy the celebration!

Don’t forget to visit www.rethinkingchristmas.com for ideas from people around the world.