Coop's Corner |
December 2004 |
Alternative Gift Market
It's not even Thanksgiving and yet as I sit down to write this column, Christmas decorations are up in stores and shopping malls and the Christmas "sales" have already begun. The commercialization of Christmas is in full swing. Each year it seems to get worse and worse.
We struggle to remember that Christmas isn't really all about Santa and parties and presents, although that is certainly a part of it. We worry and get stressed about getting just the right present for each of our loved ones. And we max out our credit cards to finance our purchases - frequently feeling obligated to buy something for friends or colleagues or even family just because that's what we've always done.
We spend one hour in church Christmas Eve and feel good as we sing carols and light candles and think about "baby Jesus," and then forget about him the next morning as we rush downstairs to open presents that often are returned or broken or forgotten by the following week.
Is there a better way to do Christmas? Probably. I don't have room to suggest all the ways we can put the spirit back in Christmas, so I thought I would tackle just one area that constantly bogs us down - gift giving. Is there a way to make our gift giving really count for something? Is there a way that the dollars we spend can actually make a difference? Is there a way to cut down on all the commercialism that sucks us into buying gifts that don't really mean much?
Instead of buying expensive gifts for one another that end up in the back of the closet or add to the pile in the garage, why not spend the money instead to help one of our mission partners?
For example, the Heifer Project. This wonderful organization makes it possible for us to purchase gifts (animals, actually) that help struggling families lift themselves out of poverty. Let me illustrate:
- For your neighbor you can (in their honor) give the gift of a trio of rabbits that costs you just $60, which, in turn, helps provide food and income for families in North Korea.
- Or that colleague across the hall certainly would appreciate your giving the gift of either a flock of ducks or geese (only costing you $20), duck or geese that help families in China better their nutrition and income through the production of eggs and meat.
- And maybe for that VIP (very important person) you could give, in their honor, of course, a gift of a pig - the whole pig is $120 and a share of a pig is only $10 - a pig that could enable a family in Cambodia to attain greater self-reliance.
- Or to honor that person in your life who is always scurrying from one place to another - there is the gift of honeybees - price tag only $30. These bees are used by low-income families in Canada to earn money through the sale of honey and beeswax.
- None of the above interest you? They also have cows, llamas, goats, sheep, and the ever-popular water buffalos. Brochures are in the church office.
One caveat: this doesn't work very well with the kids - I suggested it and got a resounding "are you crazy?"
There are many other mission projects we support that would also love to have your support. And the best part of all is that all of these gifts are non-returnable, won't rust in your backyard, and don't go out of style. They help people help themselves. They are an extension of the love of Christ for all people.
I hope this Christmas season that you will consider your gift giving in a new light. It takes the stress out of shopping while putting the meaning back into giving. And in doing so, may your spirit be brighter and your appreciation for the true gift of Christmas last longer.
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Tom |
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