Christmas 2010 ???

Christmas morning I sat looking at the pile of Christmas presents we had received and thought I really don’t need any of this stuff. Oh some of it was wonderful but it really was excess in our home. I thought about all the presents we purchased and mailed to family and friends and concluded that they did not really need what we sent them. Considering how much my family spent for presents and shipping we were sure helping to pull the economy out of the recession.

In thinking about Christmas 2010 I am wondering about changing the habits of my family in giving gifts. I believe giving Christmas presents is good in many ways but I would like more significance in the gifts for next year. If all I do is add to the over-abundance in their lives and they do the same for me what does it really mean?

I know that in this present economic condition that there are a lot of people who have nothing for Christmas and for that matter all year. I doubt that we are giving much of a gift to ourselves and the next generation by our current habits and it does little good for others. My project for this year is to convince my family that adults exchange cards and make donations to charitable causes in honor of the birth of Christ in our family’s names. Children should continue to be blessed with the love of gifts.

A Trusted Friend

There are times in everyone’s life when something hurts deep inside. It may be a lost love, something stolen, a house fire, or the loss of a job and what you need most is “A Trusted Friend” who will listen to your tale of woe when you need to vent. Sometimes you need to be that trusted loving friend who listens and doesn’t say much. You are just a friend and not a trained counselor so how do you best be that listening ear to your traumatized friend?

A trusted friend keeps personal information confidential and honors what ever lines are drawn between you.

The trusted friend listens with undivided attention and helps to clarify statements but does not react in a negative way no matter how illogical the distressed friend might be.

A trusted friend knows that this is not a time for advice or trite clichés like, “I know how you feel.” Nor do you say, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” God may not but once in a while the world does.

Re-Givting ???

Re-Gifting?????

Christmas is over and we still have our Christmas gifts lined up under the tree so thank you notes can be written. As we look at the treasure some thought come to mind. First thought is how thankful we are for family and friends who took the time to select and mail them to us. Second thought is “What were they thinking?”

Some of the stuff sold for Christmas presents is – well – not useful or tasteful. One item is for sure next years “White Elephant gift” and will be put in a box for that purpose. Then there is the problem of too much stuff already. By this time in our lives we have all we really need and want. Some of the gifts are really nice but will only take up space. What shall we do?

Re-Gifting is a much practiced tradition with excess gifts. Keep it in its box and use other occasions to give it away. Many of us feel odd about re-gifting but it makes sense. When you receive three Christmas gifts that are just alike and you only need one then two of them can be re-gifted. Make a note as to who gave you the item so you don’t send it back.

What do you think about Re-Gifting?

New Digs List

I just received my Bibical Archaeology Review and it has the list of digs for this summer.

HERE

I am checking them over.

My Best Christmas Present

My personal all time best Christmas Present came in 1972. At one minute before midnight my youngest darling Daughter Laura Lea - known to some here as Lola - was born. Now that was an exciting Christmas Eve.

She is visiting now and I am a very happy daddy for she is a gift that keeps on giving.

Aching For Good News

How often have you literality ached for some good news! When I was in Viet Nam’s Gulf of Tonkin my mother ached and prayed for the good news that my ship was on its way back to the US. How many ache for the new that their son or daughter is coming home from Iraq? What good news have you ached for hearing?

Have you ever stood by your window watching for the mail carrier to trudge up your path? Did you ever sit by the phone anxious for that certain person to call? Did you wait for news of a new baby being born into the family?

This Christmas season we celebrate the wonderful “Good News” that has been beautiful news for two thousand years that Jesus is born. Our time of waiting for Christmas to come is almost over for soon Church bells will peal the beautiful news for all to hear. We celebrate the Good News of Eternal Life as a gift of our savior.

Christmas Party Tonight

Tonight my Wife and I are hosting my Toastmaster’s Club annual Christmas Party.

Lots of great food and games and a round robin Christmas gifts - sometimes called Chinese Christmas.