Simple Christmas Carolling and Gift Giving
Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Enjoy the Holiday
Dec 11, 2008
Christmas can be a very stressful time for many people. Thoughts become consumed with shopping, party planning, decorating and getting everything to be just so. And when one has the time and effort and the money, all these things together may not seem like such a strain. But for those who have some time and plenty of effort, but very little money, these ideas for carolling and inexpensive gift giving can help ease the stress and bring on the joy.
Carolling
It does not matter whether you can carry a tune or not to sing carols. Carolling is not about showing off your beautiful voice. Carols are about Christmas and if you read the lyrics or just listen carefully, they are not about the materialistic aspect of the holiday. Singing carols by yourself may be very enjoyable while you are, for instance, baking or cleaning and decorating your house. But singing carols with a group is a wonderful way to connect to others.
Consider holding a carolling night at your house with your family or close friends or both. Many people would delight in the invitation and may even bring along hot chocolate or hot apple cider or desserts. If you have a piano or a guitar, or any instrument that can accompany your group and someone to play for you, the music adds a nice touch. Remember, as many carols do relate the story, Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. A great way to celebrate this is to read the story of Christmas in the Gospels (Luke may be your best choice). You may even like to take a break from singing on your carolling night and read it out loud with your guests.
Gift Giving
Gifts have become arguably the largest concern when it comes to Christmas and money. For some people, the gift giving and receiving is the best part of Christmas. Admittedly, it is nice to receive gifts and it is just as nice to give them. The gift giving is usually the most taxing on the bank account and does not leave much room for Christmas on a budget. However, there are ways to celebrate the tradition of Christmas giving without spending a fortune.
People have talents and most have something that lets their creativity flow. There are artists, scientists, dancers, musicians, mathematicians, writers etcetera everywhere. A very personal and sweet way to give inexpensive gifts to your loved ones is to make them. The expression “it’s the thought that counts” can hold true when you understand that the “thought” is expressed through the effort you put into it. It may take a little time to think of an appropriate gift that you can make and then to make it, but it will be appreciated and well worth the effort.
Another way of giving a gift is to give Christmas gifts that are not material things. Your company can be a gift to someone who really needs it. Your help can be a gift to someone who is less fortunate than you. Your presence at Christmas dinner may be the best gift you can give to certain friends or family members.
Christmas does not need to be expensive. Arguably, Christmas was never meant to be expensive. Jesus was born in a stable, not in the best hotel money can buy. Consider these ways to keep your Christmas simple, inexpensive and stress-free.
For more ideas, you may also refer to Simple Christmas Decorating and Baking.
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