As Christmas draws near, many gifts begin to appear beneath the trees in our living rooms.
While gift giving is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling parts of Christmas, its purpose goes beyond buying a present for someone you love. The practice of giving gifts during Christmastime connects us back thousands of years to the greatest gift ever given.
In this blog:
What is the Origin of Gift Giving at Christmas?
Christmas and gift giving are intricately connected, with origins that stem back to the very first one. Shortly after Christ’s birth, the Magi brought priceless gifts to lay at his feet, solidifying gift giving as a core part of Christmas celebrations. In a moment of humble submission, the Magi brought the Christchild gold, frankincense and myrrh in recognition of his kingship. Their submission to the child savior reminds us that, with the right attitude, giving gifts at Christmas can be more than just a tradition. Giving freely of your own resources is an opportunity to honor others and reflect the generosity of God’s gift to the world.
The symbolic meaning behind giving gifts provides us with a spiritual framework to express our love and appreciation for others. Acknowledging the people in our lives through gifts helps us show our love for them, which in turn reflects Christ and his own limitless love for us. By following the example of Christ and the Magi in giving selflessly at Christmas, we can better remember the great gift God gave us in Christ's birth.
Separating Christmas Consumerism
The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas dates back centuries and remains central to how we celebrate. According to new statistics, American consumers are expected to spend a collective $242 billion on holiday gifts this year. With 71% of U.S. holiday budgets assigned to gift purchases, society clearly places great importance on giving during the season.
However, this focus on consumerism can quickly become a distraction rather than an edification. The narrow lens of Christmas commercialism risks shifting our attention toward materialism, turning what should be an act of generosity into something more about impressing people and acquiring things than finding meaning.
One practical way to resist consumerism this Christmas is to shift your focus from excess to intention. Set spending limits and embrace meaningful traditions to keep your heart centered on what truly matters. Consider these simple ways to make your holiday giving more thoughtful and Christ-centered:
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Adopt the “four-gift rule”: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.
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Give experiences instead of things, such as a shared meal, live event or family outing.
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Set a family spending limit.
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Make handmade gifts that reflect care and creativity rather than cost.
While the constant messages about buying gifts and keeping up with trends can make the season feel more stressful than sacred, giving gifts is deeply tied to the Christmas story. Thoughtfully embracing this tradition is one of the best ways to reflect on the Gospel and teach your children about the profound significance of God’s gift to humanity.
How to Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas
It can be challenging to look past the commercialism and consumerism of Christmas. However, remembering and practicing the true meaning of Christmas begins in your own heart and with your family. One of the best ways to do this is by finding ways to give to others beyond traditional physical gifts.
Here are a few ideas to encourage a spirit of giving this Christmas:
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Volunteer your time: Spend time serving with local charities or organizations that support the less fortunate.
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Make meaningful donations: Consider spending less on physical gifts and instead make donations in your loved ones’ names to ministries or causes they believe in.
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Pray for others: Take time to pray for those facing challenges or for those who have yet to come to know the Lord.
By taking active steps to focus on giving rather than receiving, you can foster a spirit of generosity this Christmas season—one that carries forward throughout the year.
Bring the Spirit of Giving to Your Daily Life
This season, pray for God’s grace to remember that the true meaning of Christmas is found in his gift of Christ to us. This time of year can be hectic and stressful, making it all the more vital to meet with God and thank him for all you have.
Changing your heart’s posture from receiving gifts to humbly giving can help you truly embrace the Christian meaning of the season. We encourage you to prioritize prayer throughout this season and sign up for our Christmas novena, where we will prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ.
If God is calling you to give above and beyond this Christmas, we invite you to give a special Christmas gift.
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