10 Ways to be Gracious Not Greedy This Christmas

1. Make a commitment to shop only in local, small-business stores.

Same-day shipping. Black Friday. Cyber Monday. These terms have all become part of the millennial generation’s holiday shopping language. It is a generation of instant gratification and it has made people greedy.

A survey of shoppers showed that 87 percent would switch to another company due to shipping delays. Shopping local could provide faster gratification than online shopping, but small stores can’t compete with more choices and lower prices.

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2. Make or bake all your gifts for family and friends.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. - Proverbs 11:25

Some of the best gifts don’t require spending any money at all. Time is one thing everyone has a limited amount of, and how you choose to spend it can be priceless. Creating memories by spending time with someone is a gift for both of you.

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3. Attend a Christmas Eve church service.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. - Luke 2:11

Christmas may be celebrated in December, but the reason for the season is one that should be celebrated every day. Grace was given with love, and it is love that allows grace to be given to others. The greatest gift you can give to another isn’t one that can be wrapped with paper and ribbon. It is forgiveness wrapped with love.

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4. Enjoy a Christmas breakfast with your family.

Instead of opening gifts early Christmas morning, enjoy breakfast with your family first. The holidays may be a perfect time to spend with those you love, but don’t let your gift of time be spent exclusively on the holidays. Spending time with someone is something that can be done any day of the year, and is best done in-person.

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5. Give to those in need.

Instead of exchanging gifts, donate the money you would have spent to a local charity.You’ve probably seen your own children receive a gift, and then be more interested with playing in the box. In a time where too much is not enough for some children, many have more than they need. At the opposite end of the spectrum, some children would be happy to just have a warm coat or a hot meal.

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6. Write a letter.

It’s a time when conversations take place in short text messages and not IRL (in real life), and LOL (laughing out loud) is done alone. Taking the time to handwrite a letter or make a phone call can be not just a gift given, but a gift received.

Commit to writing a letter of appreciation once a week to someone who has influenced or mentored you. This could be a pastor, worship leader, teacher, relative, co-worker, former boss or a neighbor. Share with them how they changed your life.

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7. Be an encourager.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Put notes in your child’s lunch or your spouse’s purse or briefcase telling them how proud you are of them. If your spouse doesn’t work, leave a note on the coffee pot or tucked in the pages of a book they are reading.

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8. Spend time with others.

Spend time doing something your children or spouse are interested in. Go to a museum, sports game or musical. If you know of a family member, friend, caretaker or neighbor that is struggling with health issues or a loss, bring them a meal. Babysit, or sit with an aging parent, so they can run errands. Offer to clean their house, or help in another way with tasks they can’t do.

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9. Choose to forgive.

For some, forgiveness may be a difficult thing to give. Just keep in mind that forgiving someone isn’t necessarily about them, it is about finding peace for yourself. Realizing that may make it easier to give, and you don’t have to let the other person know. You can choose a time in the future to tell them, or not. Ultimately, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself.

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10. Remember the spirit of the season.

Christmas is a season for giving, and there are many ways to give that don’t involve spending money or expecting something in return. Make your holidays memorable this year by being gracious, not greedy!

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Editor’s Note: The following was adapted from 15 Ways to be Gracious, Not Greedy, This Christmas by Sarah Landrum. To read the original article, follow this link.

Sarah Landrum is a freelance writer on a mission to change the world and help people live happier, more enriched lives. She is also the founder of the career and happiness site Punched Clocks.