When I think of a Christmas rebellion I can’t help but reflect on a particular Christmas that Tami and I experienced over 25 years ago. We had only been married for a couple of years and we decided to take everything we had and give it to a missions offering. The Church I was serving on staff at had a Christmas tree with lights that represented a certain amount of money. You bought lights and all the money went to the mission offering. That particular Christmas I did some extra speaking and had been paid very well. We gave all of it and bought a bunch of lights. We didn’t tell anyone, so our name was not mentioned which made it even cooler. All I can remember is how focused we were on the real purpose of Christmas. It was amazing. By far it has been my favorite Christmas of all.
It’s easy to say you want to be a part of something, but it’s another to actually “put your pen to the paper.” So, if you are willing to step out and Take Back Christmas, then go to the Heading “How To Participate” and Click on “JOIN THE MOVEMENT” (create an account if you do not already have one).
Don’t just be a bystander to the movement and get caught up in the craziness, make the commitment to do it different this year!
And be sure to Share Your Christmas Ideas and Stories below!!!
Comment by Marie Lindelli on November 25, 2008 3:15 pm
We are rebelling against what Christmas has turned into in recent years for our families…it was focused on who got who what and how many gifts was given. This year we are turning all of our focus on loving Christ and loving people. For us it will not be about what we got, it will be about how much love we can give to others.
We read the Christmas story on Christmas morning and after opening gifts go immedialtely to my parents house to eat breakfast and open gifts with them. Later in the day we meet with Donna’s family and excahnge gifts. This family time is a tradition that we love and the fact that my kids still have all 4 grand parents at their age is such a blessing. In addition, this Christmas and last we have focused on paying cash for Christmas. It is wonderful not to get a credit card bill to start the new year.
Comment by Mike & Chris Smith on November 25, 2008 7:06 pm
Chris & I are rebelling for Christmas by telling all of our friends and family NOT to purchase any gifts for us. We explain that we have everything we need which is provided by God and that anything else we ma require in the future will also be provided by Him. We are only GIVING gifts to my three granddaughters.
Mike Smith
Comment by Liz Winters on November 25, 2008 8:16 pm
This year it’s back to basics. Sending Christmas cards that are hand written and giving ornaments as gifts. Ornaments are a gift that will be on the tree year after year and WILL be remembered, not like socks or some other gift that nobody needs. Volunteering at the nursing home, visiting the needy. Checking in on neighbors, making sure they have a place to belong and not be alone. Decorating the home for the children to enjoy. Reading the Christmas story on that special day so everyone knows why we are gathered together. Just love the ones around you and be joyful of our Saviours birth and what HIS life means to all of us!
Comment by Karen Elam on November 25, 2008 10:21 pm
My younger brother is in Nicaragua doing missionary work. He is given up his life and material items for the direction given to him from our Lord. I have a large family but I read the emails from my brother and realize instead of gifts for my family in the US I need to help my brother. My family has been collecting small toys, towels, spanish bibles and spanish study guides to send. I try to send what I can. I feel my truth gift this year is helping families that do not have what I have. I have a warm roof over my head, food on the table and daily blessings from the god lord. I feel my direction has been to also check on friends and neighbors who need assistance. It may just be a phone call and prayer. But to me this is what Christmas is all about.
Be blessed always……
Comment by DeeDee Akerman on November 25, 2008 11:40 pm
I just did an random act of kindness to an old friend I have not seen for 5 years. I had called her a couple of weeks ago and asked if I could use her as a cleaning reference. She said yes, and said I wish I could afford you again, she just didn’t have the money. She had just moved her blind 100 year old mother to live with her. Her husband is dying from terminal cancer. I use to clean her house years ago and we became friends. She knits beatiful hats, scarfs, blankets etc. Well I showed up at her door with all my cleaning supplies and cleaned her house for 5 hours, free of charge. She couldn’t believe it, I told her I wanted nothing for the service. When I got home and looked in my large cleaning bag she had slipped in a beautiful hand knitted blanked.
Comment by Tricia Lear on November 26, 2008 2:46 am
Kyle and I are taking Christmas back by keeping Christ in CHristmas. Honestly, I can do without the tree and decorations, even though I enjoy decorating for the holidays. CHristmas has become such a secular , out-of-control holiday and it is sad that our children are growing up with this as the norm. As parents, we will raise our children to put Christ first at Christmas and in all they do. Imagine how less stressful Christmas would be if we kept Christmas simple and made Christ and giving our #1 priority.
This year will be my wife and I’s first Christmas together as a married couple and I’m looking forward to making this Christmas REALLY about Jesus and not gifts… (Dont worry sweety I’ll still get you a Christmas gift lol)…
It is so easy to get caught up in all the shopping, beautiful lights, great smells of the food and sweets, and lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. For the past 7 years, my husband and I have had several personal family issues taking place every year that has caused our family structure to be weakened or destroyed to its core (death of a family member, loss of a job, loss of a home, etc.) All of this tragedy has seemed to negatively affect our holiday spirit. For the first time this year my husband and I are at a great place, not only in our personal relationship with each other, but our overall family situation. Everyone seems to be relatively healthy, and even in this questionable economy, we are all surviving well. I can ONLY thank God for this wonderful blessing! In our effort to Take Christmas Back, my husband and I have decided to focus this year, on what we can do for OTHERS outside of our family unit. We actually want to make this our new family tradition to do every year. We are participating in many of the Wish List items from Mountain Lake Church (our new church home as of November 23, 2008), but we are also going to volunteer to help out with the Angels Over Forsyth as they shop and wrap gifts for the local foster-care children. My company had a benefit to help this charity in early October of this year, so I have a close relationship with the people there. If anyone would like to help out there, please go to http://www.angelsoverforsyth.com and sign up to volunteer. Along with the wonderful things our church is doing for others, this charity is something I feel very strongly about that can help benefit children in our own backyard. Thanks to MLC for the encouragement and support in helping all of us take our eyes off of ourselves this Christmas (and hopefully every Christmas going forward) and allowing us to open up our hearts to those around us so that we CAN take Christmas back. Back to the cross. Back to the purpose of all our giving. To the ONE who gave the ultimate gift of himself when he died on the cross for our sins! Praise the name of Jesus!
Not only can you sport a really cool t-shirt, but you can also have a great conversation starter in the community. Moreover, the proceeds from these shirts will go towards our WorldCare initiatives. Stop by the resource center at church this weekend to purchase your T-Shirt.
This is a great way to get your rebellion kick-started!
Comment by Pam Majerus on November 26, 2008 8:29 pm
This is what the Majeruses are doing:
1. Coming to Christmas Eve services at MLC and bringing as many folks as we can find!
2. Reading the Christmas story (one of our children does this every year) before we “celebrate”.
3. Giving to children/families in need.
4. Donate to the food pantry at MLC.
5. Drawing names with my siblings/family.
6. Keeping the right attitude about what Christmas really is and repeatedly telling my children what Christmas REALLY means!
Comment by David & Kim Westbrooks on November 27, 2008 3:26 am
Kim & I started a family tradition years ago where before we open gifts we read the Christmas Story and listen to 2 songs. Ricky Skaggs “New Star Shining” which sings about Jesus being born and (I hate to date ourselves) the Commodores ” Jesus is Love” and just focus on how much he loves us. It is usually an emotional moment every year.
Comment by Scott and Whitney Wilson on November 29, 2008 11:32 pm
Scott and I for the first time are going to take Christmas back. When I hear that it first makes me think of the department stores who can no longer say Christmas…they have to say holiday! That really upsets me. But we as a family are not going to buy tons of gifts for our kids as we have always done. We are doing many things on the MLC list as we can. But most of all our quest for spirtual growth is, well, unbelievably happy! Scott and I are one of the many families suffering, I would have to say pretty bad at this time in the plundering economy, but we are loving and trusting in our lord, and giving more to him then we ever have! That is Christmas Rebellion!!!
Idea #3 – Buy Bibles to send to Iran
Despite persecution, the church in Iran is growing rapidly. They have a great demand for the scripture, and we want to help them by providing Bibles to help spread the word to the millions who have yet to know Christ. To purchase a bible, go to the Store on mountainlakechurch.org.
Comment by David Putman on December 1, 2008 12:08 am
It’s look like the way Christmas is heating up we will be staying at home on Christmas Day. This is a break from our Christmas tradition. Usually we spend the morning with our kids now 21 and 25. Last year our son was in Afghanistan, this year he is back so this is a big deal. After we do Christmas morning we jump in the car and head to South Carolina where we visit Tami’s family and then mine. It is usually a twelve hour day that means we spend 3 hours travel to SC, 3 hours at Tami’s folks, 3 hours at my folks, and 3 hours back home. Add the first six hours we spent at home with our kids it makes for a long day.
This year we are staying home. We are going to spend the entire day with our kids. This is really going to be special. We all are going to be together for the first time in two years. We are going to exchange gifts, eat food, hand out, and maybe catch a movie.
Last Christmas our son called us from Afghanistan. He had just gotten in from a mission where he had spend Christmas Eve in an ambush. He told me to not tell the girls. He didn’t want to worry them. This year he is going to be home with us. Tami and I are so thankful to God that he is safe a home this year.
Having our family together again is all the Christmas we need!
Idea # 4 – KARE for Kids
Rather than spending all our money simply on ourselves, KARE for Kids gives us the opportunity to help local kids that can’t afford Christmas presents. We have a Christmas tree at the church from which you can choose a star with a gift idea on it. Simply take the star and replace it with the corresponding gift. KARE for Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides for underprivileged children in Dawson County.
I’m loving Christmas Rebellion! One of the things I’ve done this year is refuse to overspend!! In July, there was an article in my Up in Cumming magazine (love it!) about saving for Christmas. I went for it. I totaled up how much I was going to spend on everyone and divided it by 6 (the # of months till Christmas). I have a little over half my list paid for AND under budget, I might add!
I can’t tell you the peace and joy I feel knowing that come January, all my Christmas gifts are paid for! I have paid cash for everything! It’s been great!!
Idea #5 – Invite Cards
At the end of the day, it can be as simple as inviting someone to church. When you do, give them one of our simple Christmas Rebellion invite cards. It will lead them to this site where they can learn all about what it means to Take Christmas Back, and begin a journey towards knowing Christ.
And, we’ll have our invite cards for the Christmas Eve services in the next couple weeks too!
Idea #6 – Come to the Taste of WorldCare on December 15th at 6:30pm
Join us at the North Forsyth Campus to learn more about how you can reach out and care for the world. You will even get to taste the local foods from all our World Care partners – Spain, Iran, Malawi, Egypt, Jamaica, and our Church Planters.
Be sure to bring your kids as well, as we will have a KRAZE production for your elementary students, and childcare for your younger children.
Sign up to attend at mountainlakechurch.org/tasteofworldcare
The Shepherds LOVE Christmas!! This year our family is taking Christmas back by:
1) Serving at the Christmas Ever services at West Forsyth;
2) Reading the Christmas story before we open presents;
3) Giving to our WOW offering.
4) Pay cash for all our gifts.
Idea #7 – Help Stock the Food Pantry at Mountain Lake
Christmas memories often include a huge meal with the family, but for some it’s not always a reality. This Christmas consider donating goods to the food pantry here at Mountain Lake. Simply bring dry food in and drop it off at the World Care table.
Idea #8 – Refuse to Overspend
Just don’t do it. Don’t get sucked in to the overindulgence. This year, only spend what you have budgeted and what you can actually afford.
Even though times are tough for us right now we have found a way to give to our community by inviting as many people as we can to our church. To our surprise quite a few of our family and friends have started coming, and as we figured have truly enjoyed it as much as we do! We believe this is very important because so many people have given up on church. Getting people reconnected in a wonderful environment like Mountain Lake is truly a great way to take Christmas back!
Randy & Laura Reagan
Idea #11 – Agree as a Family to Serve Someone in Need
From providing meals, to helping an elderly couple with yardwork, or even providing a needy family with presents for their kids, this Christmas decided as a family to serve others. It may be the best present you’ve ever received.
As a family we were forced to “downsize” Christmas several years ago when my husband was out of work for quite awhile. Ever since, we’ve opted to draw names within our circle of 5 so that each member is responsible for just one other gift. A couple of years ago our girls decided to forgo all individual gifts for one item that would benefit the whole family. This year we are rebelling against the “Empire of More” by donating to causes that we believe members of our extended family and friends would also support. For example, we are donating to a small business loan fund for women entrepreneurs in a third-world country on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law, who have careers in finance and high tech. There’s no bauble we could possibly give them that would be as life-changing as what these women will receive.
Idea #12 – Read a Portion of the Christmas Story Before Opening Presents
Take a step back and remember what Christmas is really about before you dive into opening presents.
When I think of a Christmas rebellion I can’t help but reflect on a particular Christmas that Tami and I experienced over 25 years ago. We had only been married for a couple of years and we decided to take everything we had and give it to a missions offering. The Church I was serving on staff at had a Christmas tree with lights that represented a certain amount of money. You bought lights and all the money went to the mission offering. That particular Christmas I did some extra speaking and had been paid very well. We gave all of it and bought a bunch of lights. We didn’t tell anyone, so our name was not mentioned which made it even cooler. All I can remember is how focused we were on the real purpose of Christmas. It was amazing. By far it has been my favorite Christmas of all.
I’m starting the rebellion by telling everyone about it!!! We’re taking Christmas back! Join me and share about your rebellion here!
Idea #1 – Join the Movement!
It’s easy to say you want to be a part of something, but it’s another to actually “put your pen to the paper.” So, if you are willing to step out and Take Back Christmas, then go to the Heading “How To Participate” and Click on “JOIN THE MOVEMENT” (create an account if you do not already have one).
Don’t just be a bystander to the movement and get caught up in the craziness, make the commitment to do it different this year!
And be sure to Share Your Christmas Ideas and Stories below!!!
We are rebelling against what Christmas has turned into in recent years for our families…it was focused on who got who what and how many gifts was given. This year we are turning all of our focus on loving Christ and loving people. For us it will not be about what we got, it will be about how much love we can give to others.
We read the Christmas story on Christmas morning and after opening gifts go immedialtely to my parents house to eat breakfast and open gifts with them. Later in the day we meet with Donna’s family and excahnge gifts. This family time is a tradition that we love and the fact that my kids still have all 4 grand parents at their age is such a blessing. In addition, this Christmas and last we have focused on paying cash for Christmas. It is wonderful not to get a credit card bill to start the new year.
Chris & I are rebelling for Christmas by telling all of our friends and family NOT to purchase any gifts for us. We explain that we have everything we need which is provided by God and that anything else we ma require in the future will also be provided by Him. We are only GIVING gifts to my three granddaughters.
Mike Smith
This year it’s back to basics. Sending Christmas cards that are hand written and giving ornaments as gifts. Ornaments are a gift that will be on the tree year after year and WILL be remembered, not like socks or some other gift that nobody needs. Volunteering at the nursing home, visiting the needy. Checking in on neighbors, making sure they have a place to belong and not be alone. Decorating the home for the children to enjoy. Reading the Christmas story on that special day so everyone knows why we are gathered together. Just love the ones around you and be joyful of our Saviours birth and what HIS life means to all of us!
My younger brother is in Nicaragua doing missionary work. He is given up his life and material items for the direction given to him from our Lord. I have a large family but I read the emails from my brother and realize instead of gifts for my family in the US I need to help my brother. My family has been collecting small toys, towels, spanish bibles and spanish study guides to send. I try to send what I can. I feel my truth gift this year is helping families that do not have what I have. I have a warm roof over my head, food on the table and daily blessings from the god lord. I feel my direction has been to also check on friends and neighbors who need assistance. It may just be a phone call and prayer. But to me this is what Christmas is all about.
Be blessed always……
I just did an random act of kindness to an old friend I have not seen for 5 years. I had called her a couple of weeks ago and asked if I could use her as a cleaning reference. She said yes, and said I wish I could afford you again, she just didn’t have the money. She had just moved her blind 100 year old mother to live with her. Her husband is dying from terminal cancer. I use to clean her house years ago and we became friends. She knits beatiful hats, scarfs, blankets etc. Well I showed up at her door with all my cleaning supplies and cleaned her house for 5 hours, free of charge. She couldn’t believe it, I told her I wanted nothing for the service. When I got home and looked in my large cleaning bag she had slipped in a beautiful hand knitted blanked.
Kyle and I are taking Christmas back by keeping Christ in CHristmas. Honestly, I can do without the tree and decorations, even though I enjoy decorating for the holidays. CHristmas has become such a secular , out-of-control holiday and it is sad that our children are growing up with this as the norm. As parents, we will raise our children to put Christ first at Christmas and in all they do. Imagine how less stressful Christmas would be if we kept Christmas simple and made Christ and giving our #1 priority.
This year will be my wife and I’s first Christmas together as a married couple and I’m looking forward to making this Christmas REALLY about Jesus and not gifts… (Dont worry sweety I’ll still get you a Christmas gift lol)…
Give me some good ideas everyone!
It is so easy to get caught up in all the shopping, beautiful lights, great smells of the food and sweets, and lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. For the past 7 years, my husband and I have had several personal family issues taking place every year that has caused our family structure to be weakened or destroyed to its core (death of a family member, loss of a job, loss of a home, etc.) All of this tragedy has seemed to negatively affect our holiday spirit. For the first time this year my husband and I are at a great place, not only in our personal relationship with each other, but our overall family situation. Everyone seems to be relatively healthy, and even in this questionable economy, we are all surviving well. I can ONLY thank God for this wonderful blessing! In our effort to Take Christmas Back, my husband and I have decided to focus this year, on what we can do for OTHERS outside of our family unit. We actually want to make this our new family tradition to do every year. We are participating in many of the Wish List items from Mountain Lake Church (our new church home as of November 23, 2008), but we are also going to volunteer to help out with the Angels Over Forsyth as they shop and wrap gifts for the local foster-care children. My company had a benefit to help this charity in early October of this year, so I have a close relationship with the people there. If anyone would like to help out there, please go to http://www.angelsoverforsyth.com and sign up to volunteer. Along with the wonderful things our church is doing for others, this charity is something I feel very strongly about that can help benefit children in our own backyard. Thanks to MLC for the encouragement and support in helping all of us take our eyes off of ourselves this Christmas (and hopefully every Christmas going forward) and allowing us to open up our hearts to those around us so that we CAN take Christmas back. Back to the cross. Back to the purpose of all our giving. To the ONE who gave the ultimate gift of himself when he died on the cross for our sins! Praise the name of Jesus!
Idea #2 – Buy a Christmas Rebellion T-shirt
Not only can you sport a really cool t-shirt, but you can also have a great conversation starter in the community. Moreover, the proceeds from these shirts will go towards our WorldCare initiatives. Stop by the resource center at church this weekend to purchase your T-Shirt.
This is a great way to get your rebellion kick-started!
This is what the Majeruses are doing:
1. Coming to Christmas Eve services at MLC and bringing as many folks as we can find!
2. Reading the Christmas story (one of our children does this every year) before we “celebrate”.
3. Giving to children/families in need.
4. Donate to the food pantry at MLC.
5. Drawing names with my siblings/family.
6. Keeping the right attitude about what Christmas really is and repeatedly telling my children what Christmas REALLY means!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Kim & I started a family tradition years ago where before we open gifts we read the Christmas Story and listen to 2 songs. Ricky Skaggs “New Star Shining” which sings about Jesus being born and (I hate to date ourselves) the Commodores ” Jesus is Love” and just focus on how much he loves us. It is usually an emotional moment every year.
Scott and I for the first time are going to take Christmas back. When I hear that it first makes me think of the department stores who can no longer say Christmas…they have to say holiday! That really upsets me. But we as a family are not going to buy tons of gifts for our kids as we have always done. We are doing many things on the MLC list as we can. But most of all our quest for spirtual growth is, well, unbelievably happy! Scott and I are one of the many families suffering, I would have to say pretty bad at this time in the plundering economy, but we are loving and trusting in our lord, and giving more to him then we ever have! That is Christmas Rebellion!!!
Merry CHRISTmas
Idea #3 – Buy Bibles to send to Iran
Despite persecution, the church in Iran is growing rapidly. They have a great demand for the scripture, and we want to help them by providing Bibles to help spread the word to the millions who have yet to know Christ. To purchase a bible, go to the Store on mountainlakechurch.org.
It’s look like the way Christmas is heating up we will be staying at home on Christmas Day. This is a break from our Christmas tradition. Usually we spend the morning with our kids now 21 and 25. Last year our son was in Afghanistan, this year he is back so this is a big deal. After we do Christmas morning we jump in the car and head to South Carolina where we visit Tami’s family and then mine. It is usually a twelve hour day that means we spend 3 hours travel to SC, 3 hours at Tami’s folks, 3 hours at my folks, and 3 hours back home. Add the first six hours we spent at home with our kids it makes for a long day.
This year we are staying home. We are going to spend the entire day with our kids. This is really going to be special. We all are going to be together for the first time in two years. We are going to exchange gifts, eat food, hand out, and maybe catch a movie.
Last Christmas our son called us from Afghanistan. He had just gotten in from a mission where he had spend Christmas Eve in an ambush. He told me to not tell the girls. He didn’t want to worry them. This year he is going to be home with us. Tami and I are so thankful to God that he is safe a home this year.
Having our family together again is all the Christmas we need!
I am going to say Merry CHRISTmas to everyone. I don’t care if it is politicaly incorrect or not, I want Christians to take our country back!
Idea # 4 – KARE for Kids
Rather than spending all our money simply on ourselves, KARE for Kids gives us the opportunity to help local kids that can’t afford Christmas presents. We have a Christmas tree at the church from which you can choose a star with a gift idea on it. Simply take the star and replace it with the corresponding gift. KARE for Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides for underprivileged children in Dawson County.
I’m loving Christmas Rebellion! One of the things I’ve done this year is refuse to overspend!! In July, there was an article in my Up in Cumming magazine (love it!) about saving for Christmas. I went for it. I totaled up how much I was going to spend on everyone and divided it by 6 (the # of months till Christmas). I have a little over half my list paid for AND under budget, I might add!
I can’t tell you the peace and joy I feel knowing that come January, all my Christmas gifts are paid for! I have paid cash for everything! It’s been great!!
Debt isn’t going to get ME this year
Idea #5 – Invite Cards
At the end of the day, it can be as simple as inviting someone to church. When you do, give them one of our simple Christmas Rebellion invite cards. It will lead them to this site where they can learn all about what it means to Take Christmas Back, and begin a journey towards knowing Christ.
And, we’ll have our invite cards for the Christmas Eve services in the next couple weeks too!
Idea #6 – Come to the Taste of WorldCare on December 15th at 6:30pm
Join us at the North Forsyth Campus to learn more about how you can reach out and care for the world. You will even get to taste the local foods from all our World Care partners – Spain, Iran, Malawi, Egypt, Jamaica, and our Church Planters.
Be sure to bring your kids as well, as we will have a KRAZE production for your elementary students, and childcare for your younger children.
Sign up to attend at mountainlakechurch.org/tasteofworldcare
See you there!
The Shepherds LOVE Christmas!! This year our family is taking Christmas back by:
1) Serving at the Christmas Ever services at West Forsyth;
2) Reading the Christmas story before we open presents;
3) Giving to our WOW offering.
4) Pay cash for all our gifts.
Idea #7 – Help Stock the Food Pantry at Mountain Lake
Christmas memories often include a huge meal with the family, but for some it’s not always a reality. This Christmas consider donating goods to the food pantry here at Mountain Lake. Simply bring dry food in and drop it off at the World Care table.
Idea #8 – Refuse to Overspend
Just don’t do it. Don’t get sucked in to the overindulgence. This year, only spend what you have budgeted and what you can actually afford.
Idea #9 – Prioritize Relationships
This Christmas make it about people and building real relationships, not about what gifts people are giving you.
Even though times are tough for us right now we have found a way to give to our community by inviting as many people as we can to our church. To our surprise quite a few of our family and friends have started coming, and as we figured have truly enjoyed it as much as we do! We believe this is very important because so many people have given up on church. Getting people reconnected in a wonderful environment like Mountain Lake is truly a great way to take Christmas back!
Randy & Laura Reagan
Idea #10 – Start a New Family Tradition
Make Christmas a time for family and fun experiences, not simply about the presents.
Idea #11 – Agree as a Family to Serve Someone in Need
From providing meals, to helping an elderly couple with yardwork, or even providing a needy family with presents for their kids, this Christmas decided as a family to serve others. It may be the best present you’ve ever received.
As a family we were forced to “downsize” Christmas several years ago when my husband was out of work for quite awhile. Ever since, we’ve opted to draw names within our circle of 5 so that each member is responsible for just one other gift. A couple of years ago our girls decided to forgo all individual gifts for one item that would benefit the whole family. This year we are rebelling against the “Empire of More” by donating to causes that we believe members of our extended family and friends would also support. For example, we are donating to a small business loan fund for women entrepreneurs in a third-world country on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law, who have careers in finance and high tech. There’s no bauble we could possibly give them that would be as life-changing as what these women will receive.
Idea #12 – Read a Portion of the Christmas Story Before Opening Presents
Take a step back and remember what Christmas is really about before you dive into opening presents.