A Christian’s Guide to Christmas Shopping
Ever since you can remember, making a Christmas list around Thanksgiving has been a tradition. This Christmas, show the ones you love just how much you appreciate them this holiday season without going broke. If you’re like me, you often run out of ideas for things that have the right personal touch and sends them the right message. With that in mind, I have put together a few suggestions in what I like to call, “A Christian’s Guide to Christmas Shopping.”
These suggestions should steer your thinking in the right direction toward choosing unique gifts this holiday season that won’t break your budget. Print this out or take it with you to the computer, as most of us have now come to shopping online. Here are the top 10 things that I could come up with. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Love, GospelFab! Girl
1~ A Bible
A Bible, of course. When carefully chosen, a Bible is a very cherished gift. I suggest the Message Translation that puts the Bible into words that are easily read. You can also try the NIV version of the Bible. Many church pastors are using this translation more frequently.
2~ A Great CD
You know music will rarely disappoint, especially if you keep your loved ones musical tastes in mind. With artists like CeCe Winans, Smokie Norful and Darwin Hobbs, this WOW Gospel Christmas will certainly get you in the mood for the holiday.
3~ A Great Book
For the ones who love to read, there is nothing more enjoyable then receiving a good book. May I suggest you give the latest publication from Bishop T.D. Jakes, Before you Do: Making Great Decisions that you Won’t Regret. In Before You Do, Bishop Jakes turns his attention to the topic of relationships and the issues that need resolving once you’ve learned to use the spiritual and psychological tools for reevaluating your place in life and for repositioning yourself for a life without limits.
4~ A Great Journal
For those in your life who like to write, perhaps a journal may be the best gift. Let me suggest Sending Up My Timber: An African American Prayer Journal by Karen F. Williams.
This prayer journal is designed to help someone develop a Christian prayer life. It is a also a calendar that lists a scripture reading and identifies a specific prayer concern while allowing plenty of space to record prayer requests and answers. There are also supporting scriptures, weekly quotations, monthly meditations and Negro spirituals included.
5 ~A Great Movie
If your loved one is a movie buff like me, why not consider a video or a DVD? Try the latest from Christian director Tyler Perry, which was released on DVD. The Family that Preys is a box office hit featuring Alfre Woodard and Cathy Bates in a family drama about an upper-crust family and their working-class counterparts. The families quickly discover that scandal knows no social boundaries.
6~ A Magazine Subscription
A magazine subscription can make the perfect personalized Christmas gift that will be appreciated all year long. There are magazines for every imaginable interest. As long as you foot the bill it will be a great gift to give. Try Gospel Today.
Number 7~ Tickets to a Concert
Do you know someone who is dying to see their favorite gospel artist but can’t afford tickets? Well, why not buy them tickets to The Stellar Awards in January where they can see all their favorites? Tickets are as low as $55. Or, perhaps tickets to the Gospel Holiday Celebration at the Hippodrome Theater on Dec. 20would be more suitable. This could be an early Christmas gift.
There is probably at least one person that you know who loves to wear Christian clothing. Well, may I suggest for that person that you visit www.bold4him.com to get the latest in Christian-themed clothes. This online store provides you within quality Christian clothing and accessories for all sexes, sizes and ages.
9~ Gift Certificates
When all else fails gift cards are always great. For that loved one that you know Sunday dinner is a tradition in their house, but you want to give them a break, why not give them a restaurant gift card? These days most restaurants have gift cards available. The way to make it personal is to find out their favorite restaurant. Don’t worry about trying to cover the whole bill. Trust me, any little bit helps when you want to eat.
10 ~ Christmas Cards
If you are the type that wants to write a personal note to your friends and loved ones, this gift idea is very cost efficient. Send a card to all your friends and loved ones and place a personal message. Steer away from the generic phrase, “From my family to yours.” The gift of thoughts and well wishes is one that can make anyone’s day and a holiday seem especially bright! Try this Web site for some really nice African-American cards: www.blackartdepot.com.
Hope these ideas help! Until next time, I wish you the best!