[Nevertheless] We're All Angels [Advent 13]

In a world where pricey electronics are the most sought-after gifts amongst children and adults alike, we keep one gift simple: 

Five dollars, love, and imagination.

That's what goes into our Christmas Angel gifts each year.

Each Thanksgiving night, we place our names in a container of some sort and have five dollars (and love, and imagination) to spend on a gift for that person. You don't have to spend any money at all. You can make something with items you already have. You can barter. You can write or draw or paint or sing. You must keep the person for whom you're buying a secret, and you are encouraged to do nice things for that person in secret as well.

We open the gifts on Christmas Eve, and they are usually the most memorable and the most loved gifts of the season.

I've received some really amazing Christmas Angel gifts myself:

The gift of batteries for a tired Mama who all-to-easily runs out of energy.

The gift of  hugs from an autistic child who doesn't like hugs/touch all that much. 

I've received poems, notes, songs, comfort items, and silly things that make me laugh. Each thing touched my heart, fed my soul, brought me joy. 

What I hope my children carry away from this is that giving isn't about the amount of money you spend on someone or give to a cause. It's about seeing that person for who they are, gifting them something from your heart to theirs, doing nice things for someone just because. 

And we don't have to just be angels to those we care about. We can be angels to everyone we encounter. Instead of judging, think a good thought about someone, or better yet - compliment them. Instead of just walking by, pause and give a smile and a hello. Take a moment to offer help, pick up the piece of garbage and dispose of it, let someone in front of you in line.