The Gimmes, The Grinch, and The Greatest Gift

Sally Ferguson is a caring encourager. She wants women to grow in the Word and in their responses to Father God. In this Christmas UPGRADE, Sally notes some of the wrong attitudes during the holiday season about "getting," and encourages ways to give instead.

"In a culture of shopping malls and letters to Santa, it’s a struggle to unwrap the real meaning of Christmas," Sally says. "Even Cindy Lou Who told the Grinch things had gotten out of hand in Whoville. 'Everybody seems too kerbabbled. Isn't this just a little superfluous?'"

I (Dawn) had to laugh when I read that. Sometimes I think our culture is more Whoville-ish than we admit. But Sally takes us beyond that tale to a story that is grand and a blessing!

Sally continues . . .

What are the gimmes?

That’s when we’re compelled to have it all—“Give me this, get me that. I need more!”

I see ads geared toward the younger audience and think, "It’s no wonder we’re in a hurry to buy the latest, greatest doohickey and whatchamacallit. We’re in a race to get the best so we can be the favorite grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, (insert your status here)."

If it’s a competition, is there any joy in the giving?

How do we help children navigate the gimmes at Christmas, if the adults are competing with each other for their affections?

In search of answers, I called my friend Sandy Meerdink to get her input. Sandy and Jon have three daughters, ages seven, eight, and ten.

When I asked if they deal with the gimmes, she chuckled and said,

“We always have. When they get one thing, it leads to wanting another.

"It’s a lifelong process of teaching my girls they don’t all need to have the same thing. If one has a toy, they can share and multiply their supply.”

Sandy continued,

“I try to talk to them about others who don’t have what they have. The girls notice kids around them at school, and we talk about how they would feel if they didn’t have the things they do.

"I tell them stories about children I saw on a mission trip to Nicaragua. There were children who were glad to have boots that didn’t even fit, and kids who lived in a cardboard box, yet were happy.

"When my girls want something, I ask, ‘Is it a need or a want?’”

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” — The Grinch

What does Sandy do to promote giving instead of getting?

1. When shopping, encourage each child to watch what others admire.

These make great gift ideas and nurture observation skills.

2. When they see a need, conduct secret projects to surprise that person—such as what happened when a new girl came to class and needed cheering up because her mom was sick with cancer.

3. When making a Christmas wish list for Grandma, think of an activity to enjoy together—turning the gift into an experience and a memory to cherish.

4. When celebrating with extended family, let children help pick a family gift that will focus on fun—like a pass to a nearby zoo or new sleds to go sledding too.

A few years back, Sandy was dismayed by the gimmes popping up in her home and cried out to the Lord for a way to reach her gals. The result was a Christmas angel, Gloria, represented by a doll.

• Gloria’s purpose is to bring glory to God and to teach the joy in giving.
• Gloria shows how to look out for others and do special things for them, and then find joy in watching that person’s reaction.
• Through daily activities during the Christmas season, a Bible verse, encouraging notes, a challenge and an occasional gift, Gloria prepares hearts for Advent.

How can you advocate giving instead of getting?

• Handmade gifts are ones that will be cherished. Find ideas from Lana Wynn Scroggins here.
• Shop together for Shoebox gifts. Sandy asks her girls to pick out gifts for a specific age so that they will picture that child in their minds.
• Deliver cookies together. My family sings Christmas carols as we deliver to neighbors on Christmas Eve. It makes people smile (because of the tunes or because of the festivity, I’ll never tell)!

“You can’t hurt Christmas, Mr. Mayor because it isn’t about the gifts or the contests or the fancy lights.” — Lou Lou Who

What is the real meaning of giving at Christmas?

Consider the impact of gifts.

When the Israelites triumphed over Haman’s plan of extinction of their people, they celebrated with presents to each other. Their joy was represented in the gift (Esther 9:18-22).

When the Magi found the Babe in the manger, their joy overflowed in the sharing of their treasures. (Matthew 2:10-11)

Maybe our best gifts are the awe we bring when we worship the King? (Psalm 72:10-11)

Let's join Cindy Lou Who in search of real meaning this Christmas. As we return to our Bibles, we will unwrap the most remarkable present of all—the presence of Jesus!

How will you help children navigate the gimmes at Christmas, and instead, point to the greatest Gift?

Sally Ferguson loves to dive into God’s Word and splash his refreshing water onto others. She speaks and writes with a look at snapshots of life in the sunshine and in the storms. Sally plans women’s retreats and she’s working on a Bible study for caregivers. She lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, New York, with her husband and her dad. Sally’s coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up? is available here, or contact Sally on her website for a copy.

Graphic of Christmas Gifts adapted, courtesy of Pexels at Pixabay."