The Giving Season
It’s that time of year when the search for the perfect gift begins. I can always tell by the number of catalogs that hit my mailbox. As a mother and grandmother, I have my eye out for something special, a gift that has real meaning behind it. One that will bless my family. Looking back, I don’t remember the first time I saw the catalog from World Vision. As soon as I started flipping through the pages, I realized if I was looking for a meaningful gift, then it was right in front of me.
A sewing machine for a budding entrepreneur in a developing country.
A goat for a village.
A barnyard of chickens.
Educating a child for a year.
These were gifts that made a tremendous difference in the lives of those who have so much less than us. Rather than choose the gift on their behalf, I let my grandchildren sort through the catalog themselves and choose what they wanted to give.
This has become our tradition now. While my grandchildren will always find wrapped gifts under the tree, the one that means the most is the one they give to another in need.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:15 pm
I just love reading your books. It always puts me in a better mood. I think this blog is great. These days people can be very unappreciative especially this time of year. Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:46 pm
A wonderful thoughtful gift.
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:00 pm
This is such a special idea. My son and i wrapped boxes for Samaratin’s Purse this year and we will continue. But now that i have seen the catalog, we will choose something next year to give.
December 23rd, 2016 at 6:47 am
What a great tradition of giving.
December 27th, 2016 at 12:24 am
I think this is a wonderful idea. I’m going to use it next year. Maybe use Heifer Project Intern’l, Habitat for Humanity, as well . Thank you!
December 28th, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Dear Debbie,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Christmas tradition. Having 14 Grandchildren, We are always looking for new ways of teaching them to be kind and giving. This is a perfect tradition to add to our family’s holidays.
I love reading your books also and sharing them with my friends! I try to always purchase the first additions and my friends love reading them and passing them on to their friends as well. This has hooked many women over the years who all now purchase your first addition releases. I guess we have created our own tradition in that way. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year!!
All the best,
Diana
January 5th, 2017 at 12:15 am
I saw the World Vision catalog for the first time this year and decided to purchase on behalf of our grands. Although they were able to understand the concept and we all talked about having a grateful heart and also helping those in need, I really love your idea of letting them choose their gift! Makes it so much more personal for each of them. Thanks so very much!
Just finished Starry Nights, (loved) and started Twelve Days of Christmas (C’mas gift). I’ve read so many of your books but just realized I’ve got many more wonderful moments of relaxation, inspiration, and pleasure ahead of me after visiting this website! Heartfelt hugs of gratefulness, Debbie !!!!!