I hate Christmas Part 2: To gift or not to gift.

Who has two thumbs and is against giving gifts on Christmas?

Not this guy. I’m really not. Nope. No anti-gifts sentiments here.

In fact, I’m going to be buying my wife and daughter something(s) sweet for Christmas. Granted I’m gonna wait till the 24th since I’m a dude but a gift’s a gift’s a gift right?

So no, I’m not preaching against buying your family stuff during Christmas. If those were your conclusions from yesterday’s rant you probably missed my point.

Believe it or not but my disdain for what this season has become is fueled by my passion and love for Jesus. I wasn’t ranting because I’m a Negative Nancy (I’d say Sammy but that doesn’t start with an N) who doesn’t appreciate anything Christmas-y.

I went on my rant because I believe we are causing more damage-in the name of Jesus-than we realize.

So while I’d never claim giving gifts is inherently wrong, I think you’re fooling yourself if you don’t see a problem with the way things are.

This year Americans alone will spend 450 billion on gifts.

450 billion!!!

Guess how much would be needed to solve all the worlds water problems? 20 billion. That’s it.

Again, you can’t seriously look at those numbers and tell me something isn’t wrong.

My guess is most of you reading this are willing to give me that much. The system is broken. You’re with me on that.

The real challenge is admitting that you and I are a part of that problem.

It’s one thing to say “Americans” spend 450 billion, it’s another to say my little Christian family probably contributes to that culture of greed and materialism (unless you’re intentionally choosing to live radically during this season). 

"So Sammy, you’re not against gifts but you’re also saying my buying could be a part of the problem. What now?"

Great question. Glad you asked. It's not an exhaustive list but here are some practical ways that we can slowly redeem this season.

1. Spend less:

Like way less. Be creative. Set a reasonable budget. Buying shouldn’t get you in debt or go on a credit card you can’t afford to pay off now. Love her Kenny brilliantly put it in his comment yesterday:

"Christ never asks us to go into debt. Not even for him. He did that already"

I know the kids will be disappointed but if it makes you feel any better they will eventually be disappointed anyways. Don’t mean to bust your bubble but that cool thing you spent a ton of hours and dollars on will get old and your kid will want more. It's inevitable that her DS will no longer be as cool as her friends 3D-DS.

2. Give more: 


Not to your family or friends. Give more to those in need. Don’t just serve meals at a local shelter only to retreat to your mountain of stuff. Let giving be central to your Christmas experience. Give to the extent that it affects your normal experience of buying. In other words, spend less so you can give more to those in need.

3. Re-gift Jesus:

I realize how cliche and corny this might sound but it's still true nonetheless. He’s the greatest gift the world has ever known. He’s not under a tree and you can’t buy him at a store but this season you can show the world how much he’s worth. Not by reading the Christmas story or saying “thank you Jesus for blessing us”.

Re-gift Jesus by treasuring him in your words and actions.

4. Redefine Christmas 'wins' in your family: 


A year ago my wife and I cried on Christmas morning because our daughter was crying out of gratitude for her Nintendo DS. She really couldn’t believe that we would buy her that one big thing. You wanna know what she asked my wife a few days ago?

"How much stuff am I going to get for Christmas this year?"

20 minutes away my pastor was having a similar conversation with his kids about Christmas. You want to know what his son said to him?

"Dad, I really don’t need anything. Can we help someone in need with whatever Christmas money you had reserved for my gifts?"

Unbelievable. That my friends is what I call a win.

What we celebrate and champion communicates what we value and treasure which in turn determines our culture.

Parents, what kind of culture are you cultivating in your home? One that breeds greed (“I want more”) or one that breeds generosity (“Can we give?”)?

You don’t have to do anything for the former to happen. The later on the other hand takes a lot of intentionality.

Yes Christmas is fun and there are plenty of good things about it, I just want us to remember that the greatest thing about Christmas is Jesus.

What would you like to highlight or add to the list? What are some other ways we can redeem this season?