Are you getting ready for Christmas shopping? How about doing it from home this year?
This year I told myself that I was done fighting with Tesco over a piece of battered freshwater fish, and then battling for strategic priority at the checkout, wishing I could get all those “Christmas” worries over with as soon as possible.
So I decided to look on a less exposed marketplace… My friend Google probably won’t let me down, so I ask it for advice: “Christian Christmas gifts…”
It didn’t disappoint. In fact, it seems like I’ll solve my gift problem in the blink of an eye this year. Gracefolk. Just choose. I’m excited. The only thing I’m not quite as excited about is the huge selection of Christian t-shirts. It won’t be easy! There’s a minimalist Way, Truth, and Life t-shirt, which is perfectly simple, yet speaks clearly. I can even find this exact print on a sweatshirt. Sweatshirt with a cross - it’s like a shield of faith in today’s world, where information is more of a weapon than real ammunition. For myself, I’m definitely taking the cheerful “interactive” t-shirt with sheep - 99 left behind so that I would find them. After all, everyone naturally tends to count all the sheep on this t-shirt to make sure the text matches reality. It’s a great idea that guarantees the wearer many interesting conversations.
For my two little girls, I’m definitely taking the children’s Christian t-shirts with a cute little sheep. The sheep can even be matched as t-shirts for mom and daughter. But there’s also a bright yellow children’s cotton t-shirt with a friend Jesus. After all, children love wearing their heroes on their t-shirts! And two children’s t-shirts to iron for that, because my little ones are creative souls, and the opportunity to make their own printed t-shirt is a real challenge for them.
My husband is more of a classicist, he will surely appreciate the less conspicuous black-and-white challenge on the t-shirt - BE THE LIGHT. My friend Evička, on the other hand, will shine in a t-shirt with a gold print - the Christian fish symbol is a symbol of our faith, and in combination with the gold color, it’s an exceptionally aesthetic piece of women’s wardrobe. And since Evička has just become a grandmother, for her first-born grandchild - a boy - there is a baptism gift - children’s bodysuit with an angel with the inscription CHILD OF GOD / Child of God. Little Oliver will receive this gift on his memorable day in a beautiful gold box, which will remind him of this celebration.
And what about grandma? …hm, if she were a little bolder, she would be thrilled with a t-shirt with Mary and the child,, but this time a bag with a Gothic Madonna, or Good Shepherd would be more suitable. A canvas bag with a Christian print is always a good choice. And not only for grandma, but it’s also a great gift for a priest, or a confirmation gift.
Did I forget anyone? Aha - a rosary bracelet is not only a beautiful, but also a practical gift for a Christian. Not only for women and girls, but there’s also a “less jeweled” men’s version here. And I always find out before the holidays that I’ve forgotten someone, so having one gift in reserve is a great thing. A rosary bracelet will please everyone. But don’t buy it!
So! The tea is drunk, the gifts are sorted, and besides the saved miles of walking around shops, I have a great feeling that this Christmas will be more about God, and less about the mayonnaise madness and the Christmas tree journey. It’s clear to me that not everyone is blessed with this - having such a generous Christmas. I feel privileged that my family can look forward to gifts. That we don’t have to spend Christmas Eve somewhere in a pub, listening to the sounds of war “firecrackers” over our heads…
Baby Jesus will soon be born. Let’s celebrate it properly. “In a Christian way”.
And finally - we Christians know best that Christmas is a celebration of someone who deserves the biggest birthday party. The amazing thing is that we are all invited to this celebration, even without gifts and flashy decorations. The ticket is an open heart. The willingness to be quiet. And to see love even where we have already forgotten to look for it.
We wish all of us that we succeed.
See you at the celebration.