• Story, poem or journal reflecting the person you are giving to
• Create artwork/handcraft - drawing, collage, ornament, quilt, etc.
• Gift of time - visit, bring a meal, take person to play, concert, movie
• Gift of your services - housecleaning, yardwork, home repair, transportation
• Donate to a charity in honor of others:
• Heifer International
• Doctors Without Borders
• Habitat for Humanity
• Disaster Relief
• Child Advocates
• Feed the Children
• ZOE Ministry

My 29 year old son asked for books for Christmas.  I contacted 4 people he loves and/or admires and asked that they email me their five favorite books.  I then found the books at used bookstores.  In his package I've included their emails - which most often briefly explain why the person has put this book on their 'top 5' list.  It's coming together to be a very cool gift! 

Our tradition is to decorate the tree with NO ornaments. Popcorn, cranberries, lights and tinsel are OK, but the main thing you see on our tree is our blessing chain. Immediately after Christmas, the kids and I start making a construction paper chain. Each link has a blessing written on it. My kids are currently 2, 4 and 6, so our blessings are simple. Right now our tree sports links that say "escalators," "date nights," "fire," "grass," and numerous names of friends and family members.

This year we had single soldiers come over from Ft. Hood. They were asking for people to send in some goodies so they would have a Christmas being away from home. They would be staying on base during this time. My idea was to make a buttermilk pie which included the recipe in which whomever received the pie would *pay it forward*  to another in need of pie. The great thing about it was the recipe made two pies so there was no excuse of not sharing or having enough to pay it forward.

Put a $20 or $50 bill in a gift card holder and mail it to someone who could use it. DO THIS ANONYMOUSLY. If you want, add a scripture (typed) in with the money, that will be encouraging to the recipient.

About a year ago my dad said he was interested in reading the Purpose Driven Life. I thought this was weird because he's not Christian and not much interested in matters of the spirit. I haven't read it myself, so this year I am going to give him a copy of PDL and ask if he would like to read it together. I don't have any expectation of whether or not he will say yes, because I know that would be a big commitment on his part, but I'd at least like to put the offer out there.

This is a super easy gift that I think my mom will love. I'm going to give her hugs. Everyday for the rest of the year I am going to give her a hug.

Oh Holy Night, a Christmas Book--presents the Gospel via the story of the Christmas Truce.

christmastruce.co.uk 

[have no idea what ' DIY or Giving Time' mean...just had to pick one to post]

Write a personal  letter to your children and grand children letting them know what you think of each of them. Recognize their gifts, talents, and character qualities. Even considering sharing what you see as God's working in their lives. I have done this for 27 years and it has become the highlight of every Christmas as everyone waits to receive their letter from dad and grandpa. After death these letters will still be read over again and again. The influence we can have will always be there in their lives.