This is the time of year that many of us are knee-deep in gifts, at least material gifts. Even those who complain about all of the materialism of the season find themselves buying and wrapping a few gifts. I love gift buying, although I don’t particularly enjoy the wrapping. I enjoy picking out and purchasing gifts with the receiver in mind, hopefully buying what others will enjoy receiving.

While I also enjoy receiving gifts, especially if the gift(s) are obviously chosen especially for me, I love giving most of all. The cost of the gift does not matter to me. I am just as thankful about receiving a gift that was chosen just for me, even if the cost of the gift was nominal, as I am receiving an expensive gift. What matters most is the fact that the giver thought about what I would enjoy receiving. While I am sure I do not always hit this mark, I do my best to consider what the receiver will enjoy more than what is on sale or easiest to find.

Gifts are one of my love languages. This does not mean that I am materialistic. It is more about the sentimentality and thought than it is about the value of the gift (WikiHow.) This love language is considered the most misunderstood of all five of the love languages. The other love languages are quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch. There is a free online quiz that can help one identify one’s love language.

If gifts are not your love language, it may be difficult for you to understand the importance of tangible gifts to the one to whom gifts are important. Regardless, spend some time thinking of those who you plan to buy gifts for, and determine what they would likely most enjoy receiving. While it is easy to give money and gift cards, and those are fine presents for some people, they are not the best presents for others. Giving experiences as gifts has become popular, and while those are good gifts for people who love experiences and do not prefer something tangible, they are not the best gifts for everyone.

If this information is overwhelming, it is likely that gifts are not your love language! If you spend some time thinking about the likes and preferences of those for whom you are buying a gift, it will be easier for you to select gifts that will be most enjoyed by others. 

Gifts for others is only one focus of gifts, especially at this time of the year, and not the most important.  I hope we are also knee-deep in the real gift of Christmas, the gift of Christ. While I recognize that not all readers consider this perspective important, I must be true to my belief that Christ is the real meaning of Christmas. While I fail quite often in living this truth, it is my failure, not that of Christ.

Our church, Trinity Baptist in Raleigh, had its Christmas Cantata last Sunday, and it was spectacular. Our pastor, Dr. Jeff Roberts, ended the celebration with these words:

“Don’t celebrate Christmas and miss Christ.”