Grandparents love to give gifts at Christmas to their grandchildren, who always love to receive them. Admittedly, we can be guilty sometimes of spending rather lavishly on gifts for our grandchildren. According to GRAND magazine there are over 70 million grandparents in the US, so imagine how much money we grandparents will spend on our grandchildren this Christmas!

As our economy tightens, you might rethink about how you are going to handle the gift giving this year. You can give meaningful gifts that don’t cost much money. For example, how about spending time one on one with a grandchild, or participating in an activity together? Last Christmas a friend of mine gave her granddaughter sewing lessons. It didn’t cost her much, and they were able to spend some quality time together — something hard to put a value on. A grandfather might take his grandson fishing or go to a sporting event together for a gift. Give them memories that enhance your relationship.

Living in a very self-centered society, children are programmed to think of themselves first. Why not give your grandchildren a lesson on the blessing of giving by doing something together for a needy person? You could go shopping together for a gift for a needy child, cook a meal, or bake cookies for someone who is ill.

As you are doing your holiday preparations, intentionally plan to make a memorable Christmas for your grandkids. Many don’t live nearby so you may not be able to spend the holiday with them. However, you can send them a “special” note, give them an unexpected telephone call, or make some kind of connection with them, in addition to your gifts. Janet Teitsort has written a book, “Long Distance Grandma” in which she has many creative ideas for each month to stay connected with your grandchildren, no matter where they live.

Christmas is a great time to connect spiritually with our grandchildren, helping them understand the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. Give your family the gift of a tradition focused on the true meaning of Christmas that can be passed on to future generations. A tradition in my family started with my parents who always read the Christmas story from Luke 2 before opening gifts at Christmas. My husband and I did the same (we still do!). I have noticed that my sons keep the same tradition in their famlies. What a joy it must be for my parents to know that this tradition has been passed on to future generations!

What do you want your grandchildren to remember about celebrating Christmas with you? Do you want them to remember you by the costly Christmas gifts you gave to them? Or do you want them to remember something about celebrating the true meaning of Christmas — blowing out the candles on Jesus’ birthday cake or reading the story of the birth of Jesus from the Bible before opening the gifts?

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

COMMIT, THEREFORE, TO PRAY…

• Ask God how you can share the true meaning of Christmas with your grandchildren.
• Have you prayed about the gifts that you are going to give your grandchildren for Christmas?
• Ask God to give you ideas of what you might do to encourage your grandchildren to think of others and their needs, not only their own.
• Ask God for fresh, creative ideas.