How to Give Christmas Gifts in a Materialistic World

By Katie Walsh

Rather than reflection and humility, the end of the year means shopping frenzies and advertising blitzes. Too many of us will succumb to steep price tags in the rush of it all. Tis’ the season for commercialism!

The world is materialistic. It will do everything it can to strip away the heart of Christmas. Have you noticed that even the word “Christmas” seems to be so passé? The new lingo is “Happy Holidays, while schools now call it “Winter Break.” Many commercials are festive and flashy but don’t invoke Christmas directly.

We know the reason for the season, however. The birth of baby Jesus signifies the redemption of humanity. Yet, December is merely treated like an extended vacation and an opportunity for companies to boost sales. Given the pressure to give in to the secular yuletide cash cow, how can we show our loved ones what they mean to us without dishing out lots of money?

Let’s be intentional and creative this year. If gift-giving is your love language, you are likely already planning your shopping list. Here is my magic word for the ‘23 Christmas Season: stewardship.

All that we have is God given. He designed each of us with unique qualities and skills. What better gifts can we give than our time, talent, and treasure? 

1. TIME

The older I get, the more I realize the true value of time. Spending moments with siblings, parents, lifelong friends, and significant others are some of the most precious memories we can make while on this earth. Christmas gives us the chance to slow down and be intentional. It can be as simple as a long walk, a card game, or baking cookies with a relative or neighbor. Or a phone call to someone who can’t make it home. Cut out the mindless Instagram scrolling and lounging in bed watching Netflix.

2. TALENT

Chefs, artists, and musicians, this is your time to shine. The rest of us must think a little harder about what our talents might be.

Maybe you are great at starting interesting conversations. Or listening. Creating fun plans or helping someone pick out the perfect outfit. Talents don’t have to be obvious; they just take effort. Bonus points if you try to learn a new talent to give a thoughtful gift! 

3. TREASURE

You don’t have to spend three dollar signs to show someone you love them. If you don’t have to worry about a Christmas budget, more power to you! But for those of us plagued by high rents and inflation, we need to get creative. I challenge you to not buy the first thing you think of. Take some time, reflect on who they are and their passions, and give them something that will add value to their life. 

The best gifts are often ones that are a surprise. When I was little, my mom would always try her best to give us gifts that weren’t on our list. She was thoughtful and oh so creative. This led to joy and the giddiness of a good surprise!

Accompany your gift with a handwritten card and you will make wonderful use of your hard earned money.

Even if you aren’t pinching pennies during December, the key to giving meaningful presents is to think outside the box as well as intimately about the receiver’s deep-felt hopes and wishes. Don’t be distracted by technology or fall captive to the endless promotions to “buy buy buy.” Great gifts do not have to be tangible or monetized. Your presence could be the greatest gift of all.

Katie Walsh is the founder of the k’tea & co, an editorial website that focuses on positive and inspirational media. She works in finance in Cincinnati, Ohio, and you can find more of Katie’s work on @the.ktea.co