For 11 months of the year, we may feel the pull between being in this world vs. being of this world. This is even stronger during December and the contrast we feel between the spiritual focus of Advent and coming of Christ, and the materialism and superficial glitz of our cultural consumerism.
Leading into December, we try to make the effort to be stewards of all that we have – living our life in gratitude for what God has given us and sharing those gifts with others. Sometimes we may be more successful than at other times. In December, as we prepare for Christmas, we must strive for our stewardship to not simply be an add-on, but central to our Christmas gift giving.
How does this look for us? First, we are offered this guidance from ICSC (International Catholic Stewardship Conference) to consider how we may cut back on consumerism, particularly as it relates to our children, who are often indulged with a multitude of presents and treats. ICSC recommends this formula to select presents for them: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read. We can use this same approach to decide what we may gift other family members, and thus avoid other “stuff” that loses its luster by January.
Secondly, our vision of gift giving can extend beyond family members to those who also need our generosity and enthusiasm. Saint Helen’s Helping Hands & Hearts ministry can provide a family’s wish list to you if you want to include them in your Christmas shopping. One can imagine the joy and true gratitude that your “extended” family will feel when they open these gifts.
Thirdly, you can make a monetary gift to a charity, non-profit, or parish. There are a multitude of both faith-based and secular nonprofits that respond to the needs in our community and beyond. You may already have one that you or your family have supported in the past or whose mission you find compelling.
Beyond a cash gift, year-end giving can be planned gifts that allow a tax benefit. For example, gifting appreciated securities directly to a charity allows you to make your gift while avoiding capital gains tax on the stock’s growth. Or, for those age 70 1/2 who are required to take a minimum distribution from their IRA, the distribution, when directly transferred to a charity, means that the distribution does not need to be added to your income for tax purposes. (Check with your accountant or tax advisor for advice on your personal circumstances for making a planned gift.)
Sharing, but its very nature, grows your gifts, benefiting both the giver and the receiver. It’s not too late to feel good about our Christmas gift giving and contribute our “first fruits” by putting others’ needs before our own.
