Tip #8: Curb excessive gift giving

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Christmas traditionally has been the season of giving, but as the lines get longer, the sales start earlier, the stampedes get rougher and the gifts stack higher, perhaps we've lost sight a little of the true spirit of giving. It's not about finding the coolest gadgets, scoring the best deal or putting the biggest present under the tree. It's about giving of ourselves. Spending time with family and friends. Helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Spreading the joy and love of Christ's coming.

Within my immediate family, we try to turn down the hype by buying small stocking gifts, capping it at $10. We fill each other's homemade stockings with small, yet thoughtful gifts. Throughout Advent, we gently feel our stockings as they fill, shaking the presents to see what sound they make. Then, on Christmas Eve, normally after attending the vigil Mass, we open the gifts one person at a time – going either oldest to youngest, or youngest to oldest. We follow it up by reading the Nativity story while placing the figures in the manger. It is our quiet way of welcoming Christmas and Christ into our hearts.


For more tips on how to enjoy a stress-free Advent and Christmas, read this helpful story.