On Giving Beyond

One of my favorite aspects of Christmas is the opportunity to give beyond - beyond the list of people who would expect gifts from us, beyond the items that consumerism says we need, beyond the borders of our everyday lives.  In many ways, giving beyond doesn't require much extra money or extra effort - just extra awareness.  So I thought I would share some ways to do so this holiday season.  (Preface: My intent is to increase awareness and perhaps spark an idea or two; my family will not be doing every single thing on this list this Christmas and I certainly wouldn't expect yours to do so either.)

Beyond the List of People Who Would Expect Gifts:

Mail carrier: Postal workers are permitted to accept non-cash gifts that are valued at less than $20.  At Christmas, when mail carriers have increased deliveries and unpleasant weather conditions, it is a perfect opportunity to show appreciation!  We have done $5 coffee cards with some homemade cookies, hand-warmers, simmer pouches, or warm socks.

School employees: Classroom teachers are often on the gift-buying list, as well they should.  But Christmas is a time when we can also show gratitude toward the office staff, bus drivers and crossing guards, the janitorial crew, those who teach phys ed, art, music, library, etc. Some years, I just have not had the margin to include everyone at Christmas; during those years, we have done something in January to thank them.  This year, we are doing simmer pouches and notes from the kids.

Community Helpers: Police and firefighters, librarians, sanitation workers, the sweet lady at the deli who always gives Julian a slice of salami - there are people we interact with regularly who can be blessed by someone noticing their contributions.  A dozen donuts to the fire station, handcrafted bookmarks to the library staff, or a small gift card that enables someone to get a special coffee on the way home from work are simple ways to give beyond.

Beyond the Items that Consumerism Says We Need, Going beyond Our Borders:

With commercials screaming, it is easy to feel that only big and expensive gifts will do; with budgets stretched, it is consequently easy to determine that giving beyond is just not possible.  Remind yourself that it is the thought that counts.  A handwritten card and a candy cane still say to someone, "I see you and you matter."  A little plate of homemade cookies lets neighbors know you are thinking of them.  These simmer pouches I keep referring to are also inexpensive ways to give something without worrying about dietary restrictions or adding to the "stuff" in someone's life.  A cellophane bag or a small mason jar with a quarter cup of fresh cranberries, a few dried orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and a tablespoon of cloves make a beautiful gift!  Add a tag that says to pour into a small saucepan, cover in water, and simmer to release the aroma of the holidays.  

In the gifts we do purchase, Christmas is an opportunity to bring awareness to the need for fair trade and poverty alleviation.  Equal Exchange coffee and chocolates are my go-to items for gift baskets (and are now available at some grocery stores), and I also like to check out Ten Thousand Villages, Fashionable, Preemptive Love, and Green Creations when shopping for unique gifts that hold double blessing.  If you wish you could include items such as these but are past the shipping deadline, you can always do another favorite of ours: making a gift to a charitable organization in honor of someone.  Our two very favorite ways are the Compassion Gift Catalog (this year, the boys keyed in on garden seeds for families needing income generation) and Preemptive Love (serving in Mosul, Aleppo, and more).  What a perfect way to honor the people in your life who already have everything that they need!

Honestly, giving beyond is the heart of Christmas, and it is when I am engaged in such giving that I feel my heart beating like the One whose Gift started it all.  So let's all look up from the "hustle and bustle" of these next few days to notice ways to give beyond. I'd love to hear what you do.