How to Give More

The second concept from Advent Conspiracy that I'm focusing on this Advent is Give More.

Advent Conspiracies defines this as "God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving. Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right?" But how can we do that? Life is crazy, I don't have time to give my time.

So life is crazy. Everyone's life is crazy. I try never to get into complaining competitions because there is always someone who has a crazier life than me, but there are very few people I know who would not enjoy a few more hours in the day, a few more days in the week and a few more weeks in a year in order to get everything do that they must get done.

It is the craziness of life that makes giving time a difficult thing to do. However it is the craziness of life that makes giving time one of the most enjoyable gifts to give because it allows us to step back and enjoy the time we spend together.

So how can you give time?

If you have a hobby that produces something tangible - knitting, needle-pointing, woodworking, photography, writing, baking, cooking - use your hobby to make gifts for others. Not only do you get to work on something you enjoy, it is a personal gift that hopefully they will enjoy more.

Spread it out over the year! One of my favorite suggestions about giving time came from a parent with multiple kids. The parents made up coupon books with simple events for each month of the year that gave each kids time to be alone with one or both parents. So the kids got a year of presents like "a lunch date with mom" "going to the batting cages with dad" "going out for ice cream with mom and dad" that the kids were able to redeem throughout the year.

Make a date for it. Set a weekly or monthly time to spend together and stick to it, whether it is family game night, a monthly night out with friends.

Buy tickets for two. Tickets to a concert, sport's game, art exhibit, play, etc are great gifts and way to spend time together, especially if you make a day of it.

Already bought the person a gift? Is there some way you can share in it together? Read the book you bought him and discuss it. Have her beat you in the video game you bought her even if you embarrass yourself doing so. Cook together using that new kitchen gadget. Build something together with the new set of tools. Play together with the new sports equipment. And I can't think of someway to share clothes but be creative I'm sure you can think of something.

Happy Advent!