Wherever we have worshiped, each Christmas there is an opportunity to share by giving to others. At one church we purchased and wrapped gifts for children of men and women in prison. A volunteer had received a specific request from each parent for each child, and the child who received the present got a card from the parent, not the church purchaser. I loved being the facilitator for this gift exchange while remaining anonymous.
This year, as in the years we have attended this church, a Christmas tree is hung with gift tags, three of which are pictured above. Each tag has a specific request for an individual person. Codes on the cards allow us to know if the recipient is in a shelter, in a hospital, is a refugee learning English, or is in a tutoring program. We learn the age and wish of each person and can choose cards that connect with us somehow.
My grandchildren have purchased gifts with me for the past several years. This year I chose cards requesting a pair of dressy boots for a 18 year old girl, a jacket for an 11 year old boy and a coat and pants for an 18 month old girl. My granddaughter informed me that none of the boots were fashionable, so we will have to find another store. My grandson picked an ideal jacket for a boy nearly his age, and assured me that it was “in style.” Together my granddaughter and I picked an “aw,so cute!!!” outfit for the toddler.
We will wrap these gifts and deliver them to church where they will join hundreds of others. I am thankful for all the effort that has gone into this ministry, and I am grateful that my family gets to gift others as we have been so richly gifted.
Saved By Words 
I’m not religious, but I am truly heartened by the way that you and your family follow the true path of what I consider to be ‘Christianity’. Well done!
Best wishes, Pete.
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That means a lot to me when so many people who claim to be Christian act in ways that are so un-Christian.
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That is a lovely practice.
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How sweet to bring your grandchildren into the practice of giving. And smart to bring them with you shopping so you know what to buy that’s sure to make those young people happy.
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A couple of years ago they helped me pick a wrist watch for the same reason!
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My Mom and I usually do the Giving Tree at church, but this year the suggestions on the tags were for X-Boxes and licensed sportswear and phones. It was disappointing not to be able to afford to help. : – ( It was so nice that your grandchildren got to see how much fun giving can be!
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Yikes. I wouldn’t have bought anything from there either. Sounds like you have a different group of people needing gifts. Ours are nearly all practical.
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What a beautiful thing to teach your grandchildren! I hope they carry this custom forward.
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Thanks. They are in the routine so I hope it will continue.
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I love this Elizabeth & love that you involve your grandchildren! 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
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They love shopping for other people it turns out.
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One of my clients had an Amazon wish list for children at an orphanage this year. I missed it last year, so I made sure I got them something this time around.
I think too many people are too focused on what they’re getting for Christmas instead of the other way around.
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I like those opportunities. The book store allows me to buy a book each Christmas to be given to local kids. Simple and effective.
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There’s no better gift than books when basic needs are already met. I asked my friends for books this year. 🙃
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When we moved cross country the movers said they had never seen anyone with so many books. My firm belief is that you can never have too many books. Of course in a tiny house you might need a book annex.
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Haha, I was told the same thing every time I moved. They are also super heavy. That’s why I finally switched to electronic. I was tired of having to give my books away every time I moved.
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I have been unable to adjust to electronic books. I have to stick with those bulky ones.
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Haha, I think I adjusted pretty easily in college because they were cheaper than physical text books.
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Text books became outrageously expensive in recent decades. They used to be quite affordable.
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As if college isn’t already expensive enough. I’m starting to think they don’t actually want us to learn. It’s always easier to control the uneducated and uninformed.
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That is becoming increasingly clear as I read people’s response to the present government.
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