A New Kind of Giving

For most of my life Christmas was about making a wish list and hoping to get everything on it. Selfish, I know. As I've gotten older (and hopefully more mature Ha!) I began feeling like Christmas giving should mean something more than just giving and receiving "stuff". So, over the past few years I've made at least one gift for each family member, or tried to find the perfect gift that they never knew they always wanted. It's almost like a treasure hunt! To me gifts should say to the receiver, "I found/made this, and specifically had you in mind. I love you." For me, giving back during the Christmas season is putting into physical form how I feel about those I love the most. It's not about spending outrageous amounts of money or buying piles of presents. It's about the moment when they open the gift and the look on their face tells me they realize I have been paying attention. It's that moment of "I am loved." I know good and well that presents do not equal love, but think about how you feel when God blesses you with something above and beyond your basic needs and you have been desiring it for a long time. Don't you feel loved and think, "He did hear my secret whispered prayers!"? Me too, friend, me too. Giving presents is my way of expressing not only my love, but also God's love for the people in my life. Giving back can mean a multitude of things, and my meaning of it should not diminish the fact that there are people in our communities that need our help this Christmas season. There are many options to get involved, and here are some practical ways to get help out in your community and beyond:

• Serve food at your local homeless shelter...they need help not only on Christmas day, but all year long.
• Give gifts to your local toy drive.
• Donate food to a food pantry.
• Drop a box off for Operation Christmas Child (a personal favorite of mine!)
• Adopt a local family and provide Christmas dinner and/or gifts for their kids
• Donate money to your favorite charity or ministry by decreasing the amount you spend on gifts this season. You can even make a card for your friends and family that tells them a donation has been made in their honor!

I hope this Christmas season you do not become so consumed with stuff that you forget the people for who you are buying the gifts.

-A

Peace On Earth and In My Soul

During the holiday season stores are filled with greeting cards and decorations that read some version of “Peace on Earth”. This year it is making me ask myself, “Do I have peace in my little part of the earth? Do I have peace in my soul?” If I answered honestly, it would probably be... To read the rest of Peace on Earth and In My Soul see page 19 in the December issue @ www.exemplifyonline.com (You can also read it in blog form here)!!!

A New Christmas Tradition

My family's Christmas traditions have changed a lot over the years. After my parents divorced, it was inevitable that things would change during the holidays. Then add remarriage, siblings getting married and having kids, and I realized new traditions would have to be forged. Christmas day has really changed. I used to wish Christmas day could always be the same every year, and now every year Christmas is different. So, not only do I have split my time between two parents, I don't get to see all of my siblings every year either. They all have in-laws to see now too. After I mourned the loss of my old Christmas traditions, I began to realize that each year is an opportunity to for new memories. Our new tradition is that every year is different than the one before. I think it's going to remain that way for me until I have my own family and we can make our own traditions together. So, until that day comes, I will choose to be thankful that I have a family that I love and loves me back. That is more than what a lot of people have this Christmas season. To read about other people's Christmas traditions please visit www.exemplifyonline.com.

Christmas Playlist Link Up

Can I be honest? I've never bought Christmas music! My play list has mainly been supplied by my mom's collection from over the years. In the spirit of sharing and the Christmas season, here is I will be listening to and/or singing this:

• The Elf soundtrack....the whole thing, but especially 'Baby It's Cold Outside' sung by Leon Redbone & Zooey Deschanel. Elf is my favorite Christmas movie of all time.

• The Nutcracker Suite - London Symphony Orchestra...In 5th grade I danced in the Nutcracker. I tried out for one of the children in the party scene, but was cast as a rat. My costume was definitely better than what the party children had to wear!

• Mannheim Steamroller has always been a staple in my family. When I hear it, it takes me back to Christmases of my childhood!

• I don't have many Christmas carols downloaded onto my ipod, but I can't wait to sing them at the Christmas Eve service at my church! Some of my favorites to sing are Oh Come, Oh Come Emanuel; Silent Night; Away In the Manger; and Joy To The World.

You don't have to tell me twice that my play list is pitiful, but Christmas music has never been my passion. I would much rather watch Christmas movies! Here's what I'll be watching to stay in the Christmas spirit!

• Elf
• Little Women
• Just Friends
• Christmas Vacation
• A Christmas Story
• The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
• The Polar Express
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• Home Alone
• Lifetime channel Christmas movies - I'm a sucker for the cheese factor

So, what's on your play list this year? What are your favorite carols to sing? Anything I must download to expand my Christmas music selection? To read what other people are listening to this Christmas season visit www.exemplifyonline.com.