December 2004
Q: I don't have the money to buy all my friends gifts this year. I certainly don't have the cash to spend on really nice stuff. I don't want to look cheap or anything. What should I do?
A: First of all, if your friends wouldn't be your friend just because you don't give them nice gifts, that's a HUGE red flag. True friends accept you for who you are, whether you can afford Paris Hilton jewelry or not.
I know that's easy to know in your head but hard to make yourself feel. A part of you can't quite believe they wouldn't be offended by something homemade or inexpensive. No one likes to test their friendships, especially in the touchy area of finances.
But sometimes you have to act out your faith, regardless of what you feel. Trust that God will use this delicate issue to strengthen your true friendships. Trust that God will give you the strength and courage to talk to your friends if necessary. Trust that God will make everything turn out for your good, to help you become a stronger woman of God.
Here are some practical tips and ideas for this Christmas:
Limit your gift-giving to your closest immediate friends. For people outside that circle, give cards or candy.
Pray, and if you feel led, talk to your individual friends privately about gift-giving this year. Let them know you love them deeply but your finances won't let you buy them all Porsches, much as they deserve them for their loyal friendships to you.
If you think it will fly, suggest a gift exchange among your group. Each person draws one name and gets that person a gift for Christmas, up to a set dollar amount. That way, everyone buys just one gift and your bond of friendship is strengthened by this group activity.
Look online for nice gifts you can make. Some things to think about are:
Beaded necklaces, bracelets or earrings: These are easy to make and cheaper than buying them if you buy the individual beads and string them yourself. There are lots of websites and magazines that teach you how to make pretty jewelry.
Soaps: Most craft stores will have soap making kits, and there's lots of information online. Be careful because some of the chemicals are caustic.
Bath salts: Mix rock salt with a little glycerin, food coloring and an herbal essential oil like sweet orange or lavender, and package in decorative jars (lots of those at flea markets and garage sales) with a ribbon.
Decorated candles: Buy candles and glue beads, fake or dried flowers, shells, or whatever to the outside. Or decorate candle holders in the same way.
Decorated pens: Everyone can use a pen, especially if it's prettied up with feathers, beads or flowers glued to it. The more outlandish the kewler.
Enjoy your holiday season, and remember to focus on the gift of Jesus' birth on earth. Peace. Camy out.
E-mail Rubyzine so we can pray for you!
Have a question for Camy? E-mail us.
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