What Are You GIVING For Christmas This Year?

[Dia Minha]

I have struggled with the principle of giving for several years now. I have worked hard to simplify Christmas and give more to those in need. Recently, it has occurred to me that in doing so I have quit giving to family and friends, so that I could spend more time and money on others that are in need. This year I have been searching for a way to give to those that mean the most to me, without adding back the stress of shopping for them. I came across this article by Pres. Faust: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and this one by Pres. Monson: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] .

Pres. Faust says: "This Christmas and every Christmas will be richer by sharing and enjoying gifts that cannot be held but only felt . . . ; the gift of peace, the gift of love, the gift of service, the gift of self, and the gift of faith."

Pres. Monson says: "It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much, he who gives time gives more, but he who gives of himself gives all. Let this be a description of our Christmas gifts."

So my question is what gifts of peace, love, service, self and/or faith are you giving this year? How do you as a family concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas and still keep the magic of childhood alive? How do you give of yourself this time of year and all year long? What suggestions would you have for someone who has yet figured out how to give of themself? What does giving of yourself mean to you?

Don't feel like you have to answer all these questions. I'm just trying to open up the discussion by giving you some to think about.

[5ft Diva]

Hmmm.....a lot to think about. Need to think about this and get in a better frame of mind - right now I'm listening to Michael Jackson.

[natickgirl]

Good questions! Right now I'm mostly in survival mode (living in someone else's space, dealing with in-laws, dogs, house hunting, tempermental realtors, etc. and trying to keep some semblance of normalcy for the kids' sake). I must admit I haven't given Christmas much thought at all, other than, "I hope were're in our own place for Christmas."

You've given me something to think about. I'll try to re-focus on the spirit of the season and, if nothing else, do my best to be more cheerful and less stressed out! Maybe that will have to be my gift this year...

[Meticulous madness]

These are good questions Dia! Very thought-provoking.

I'm frustrated with the holidays this year (already), for a couple of shallow reasons. But probably the biggest frustration, ironically, has much to do with this topic of love and service (the gifts of time, money and self).

DH and I completely disagree on how, when, and in what capacity we should serve others. These disagreements haven't ever really bothered me, because I feel like service is somewhat personal. Nobody can tell another person what is 100% applicable and appropriate for them.

But (and this is a big butt...) the longer we're married, the more I feel like we should be getting on the same page. Shouldn't we? Isn't marriage about being partners in crime (good crime, in this case)?

When I NEED his help in order to serve, I guess I expect it (as wrong as that might be). Perhaps the reason it hurts so much is because I believe things (of a weightier level) are being neglected.

If I feel a spiritual inclination to serve somebody, or do something and if I need his help and support to do it, and if he refuses to give it - the service gets left undone.

Anyway, not to hi-jack your thread -

I guess the reason I bring this all up is because I've noticed myself pouting and throwing an adult-fit over the last week or so (which my family all has to endure). Maybe a good way to "give of myself" is to put a smile on my face and try not to feel picked on, when things don't go my way at home. I'm finding it very difficult to do.

[5ft Diva]

I understand your plight, MM. It is very difficult when someone stands between you and your righteous desires. I have dealt with this a lot in my life. The thing that I have found is that if it is truly a righteous desire Heavenly Father will help you find a way to meet the needs of those you want to serve. It might not be in the same way you would have done it had you been given the help you thought you needed, but you can still be an instrument and even more effective because you have the Lord's help. Don't give up on your dreams!

---------- Post added at 05:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:07 PM ----------

I'm beginning to see the vision of service at Christmas time. I'm embarrassed to say that in the past I've been so concerned with not being remembered by DH that I've not even thought of giving to others at Christmas time. How selfish, silly, and immature of me! I don't know why this year it has clicked, but it has.

Something I've decided I want to do is give what comes from my heart regardless of how it is received. I know for me it is scary to give a gift from the heart that I know is not going to be received well, but....it was from my heart. Mostly because when I give from the heart I'm vulnerable. Am I vulnerable because I expected it to be received well or is it just because I let someone see into my soul? It hurts when your heart is stomped on. Would I have been fine if I hadn't any expectations at all? Is it wrong for me to expect someone to be grateful for something that took thought and time for me to come up with? Why do I let others decide what is from my heart? How does someone else decide for me that what was from my heart isn't enough? And why is it that I give that power away? Why do I give my power away to someone who has decided to be selfish? Silly isn't it when it's put into words. Enough is enough. It really doesn't matter what others think.

These are some random thoughts that are running through my mind right now. Thanks for starting the discussion, Dia.

[LostnFound]

I have really enjoyed this thread especially after listening to the First Presidency's Christmas message tonight. I especially loved the story that was told tonight by President Monson of the business man who gave away his airline ticket to the soldier who had one last chance to see his family before going off to war. What a wondeful opportunity for that man to give.

My challenge this year is finding a way for my entire family to be involved in giving without buying gifts for anyone or having a cost involved. I have racked my brain and cannot come up with any ideas. I really feel it is important for my family to give service but more so during the month of December.

If anyone has any suggestions, they would be so welcome on my end.

Sorry about your situation MM. Husbands can be frustating at times. Especially when your heart is in the right place. If I can help in any way, let me know.