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Theresa's Tidbits - How to make this Christmas meaningful
Theresa Seraphim
for Spotlight
As of today, Christmas is one month away, and the sales of headache tablets have spiked because of all the people wondering what to get the person who has everything.
The irony is, there are lots of alternatives to the usual hassle – many gifts that provide meaning for the season.
1) Several organizations, such as the Jewish National Fund or Tree Canada, offer opportunities to have a tree planted.
Some organizations present this as a way to honour or memorialize a loved one, while for others, it’s the environment that’s key. Either way, the benefits are easily seen – and easily reached. For example, the Tree Canada web site says $4 will plant a tree – not an amount that will break the bank.
2) The World Vision Christmas catalogue provides many, many opportunities to help those in poorer countries. Depending on your budget, you can go from $30 for two mosquito nets up to a dairy cow for $600 or filling a stable with animals for $1,200. Or, if you’re so inclined, you can sponsor a child for $35 per month.
3) The familiar Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes go to children overseas who might not otherwise receive anything for Christmas.
The boxes are filled with items like toys, small clothing items and writing materials and there are many testimonials of the joy brought by these packages.
4) If you want to stay closer to home, and/or your finances are tight, you might consider some ideas put forth at life123.com.
These include gift certificates for services such as breakfast in bed, a day of maid service, dinners for a week, dog walking or bathing service, or organizing a closet or drawer.
You can also give of your time by running errands, addressing Christmas cards, or taking children shopping for family presents. Write the person a poem, tape the voice of someone who can’t be home for Christmas, or get them something to add to their collection.
Any of these ideas – and these are just a few on the list – will not cost much (if anything) and will show creativity, effort and caring for the person. Not only will they be very appropriate for the person, but they will result in appreciation and a deepened relationship.
So if you’re still wondering what to get someone, these tips may help you put the Aspirin aside and make this Christmas the most meaningful one ever.
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