And truly, what I mean is – I am getting nothing for Christmas – no presents for my husband, no presents for my kids, and so on.
I am not shopping for one darn thing this year! No standing in line for hours; no fighting for parking spaces; no hunting for that “hottest item” of the year; no wrapping odd shaped packages; no threat of needing to return items that don’t fit; no spending huge amounts of money for 30 seconds of jubilation (followed by meltdowns or disappointment when festivities are over). In some respects it is quite liberating!
However, before you write me off as the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge – let me explain.
In America, Christmas is rarely about giving items of need. Instead it is about feeding the wants of others and then feeling good about ourselves for doing so. Let’s face it – our kids may “need” socks – but this is NOT what they are whispering in Santa’s ear at the mall.
Looking at the mountain of stuff we already own and considering ourselves blessed, it seemed appropriate to question what more is truly necessary. Sure, our kids could think of things they want. These things might even give them some temporary satisfaction. Even I could think of a few things I’d like to have. But a better opportunity came along.
This year, our church body is raising money for a Clear Blue Well. Our goal is to provide sanitary drinking water to areas of great need. We decided to donate whatever money we might spend on presents and give it to this need instead.
It seems silly to fill our kids’ lives with one more gadget; one more toy; one more temporary “fix” of enjoyment when millions of children die each year because they lack clean drinking water. I can’t help but think how much we take something as simple as running water for granted. If WE had limited access to clean water – how important would that latest video game or toy be then?
Our kids are taking it all in stride. They understand the importance of giving – though I am pretty sure one of them secretly wishes we’d give only part of the money away. This way they can still get presents too.
I realize this is the solution many families apply - give some away, keep some for self. But how much more could be done if we truly let go of the world’s lusts and live by another standard?
Personally, I wonder if my kids remember what they got last year. I’m not even sure I remember! I don’t see them enjoying these gifts or benefiting from them on a daily basis. Would their life be any less complete without them? I really doubt it.
But WATER??? What if they no longer had THAT precious gift? I know that is a blessing we would all miss very much!
Donations can be made to our partnering project through:
1236 Huron Rd. SE
Massillon, OH 44646
Please designate for “Clear Blue Well”
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