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Christmas gift-giving in a tough economy |
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By Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
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Tuesday, 15 December 2009 |
It is difficult for me to remember a Christmas that was surrounded by so much gloom: thousands of people out of work, many families faced with foreclosures, the auto industry hanging on the ropes, the State of Minnesota projecting a $1.2 billion budget deficit, homeless shelters full-to-overflowing and charitable giving that has been substantially reduced.
 That They May All
Be One
Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
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One wonders how long it will take to turn this situation around.
But reality is what it is. We cannot change the facts. Yet, we do have
a choice as to whether we react to the situation begrudgingly or
creatively. Regarding the latter, I recently read a column that
suggested five approaches towards simplifying Christmas giving in tough
economic times. Allow me to share them with you.
Five suggestions
First of all, the author suggested buying family and friends items that
they need in any event: a new pillow, new socks or underwear, a gas or
phone card. These are not the most glamorous of gifts, but they satisfy
a need and may relieve just a little bit of anxiety in another’s life.
Second, give your time instead of material gifts. Go visit an elderly
aunt you haven’t seen in months. Gather the family for a card game at
home. Take a friend out for a cup of coffee and a little conversation.
Third, pay your parents’ heating bill for a month. Reduce your son or
daughter’s college loan. Such thoughtfulness will be a blessing to them
and also help the economy.
Fourth, recycle your personal treasures to others. If a brother or
sister has been admiring the crystal clock on your mantel, make a gift
of it. Why wait until you are gone? Enjoy the excitement of giving it
now.
Finally, spend less time at the mall and more time at church. Give
spiritual bouquets of holy hours you have offered or Masses in which
you have participated. Build up your spirituality as you help
strengthen others.
I would also like to encourage you to do something to support the cause
of life during these holy days. Say a rosary outside an abortion clinic
the Saturday before Christmas. Write your senator or representative on
the sacredness of life and the well-being of society that is the common
good. Visit the local nursing home with a plateful of homemade cookies.
Give a gift to Toys for Tots.
Lesson from literature
I love to recall O’Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” Two
newlyweds, very poor but very much in love, go window shopping before
their first Christmas together.
She spies a gold watch fob for the handsome timepiece her husband
inherited from his grandfather. He notices an enameled encrusted hair
comb and brush for his wife’s beautiful long hair. Each knows the other
cannot afford those respective gifts. Yet, each is determined to do
something about it.
On Christmas Eve, the husband returns home and is shocked to see his
wife’s beautiful tresses have been shorn. She quickly begs him not to
be angry and hands him the gift she has hidden behind her back. In it
is the handsome watch fob from the store window.
He looks bewildered as he pulls a present from his pocket. She opens
the package and behold, there is the enameled brush and comb! They
stare at each other in silence. Finally, the husband says, “My
darling, let’s put these away for now. They are far too precious to
give at this moment.”
My friends, in tough economic times when money is hard to come by, find
ways to give the better gift — the gift of yourself. For that is the
true meaning of Christmas!
Prayerful best wishes for a joy-filled Christmas!
God love you!
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