@Nonametoday wrote:
For those of you who do not feel that Christmas gifting season is a time of acknowledging and showing one's love and appreciation by being reciprocal, most likely you were not raised in a home or community of giving, loving people or in a community of believers who understand the reason for this season.
We were not rich, but we were taught to give to those who had less than we had. BUT, we were also taught to give back to those who gave to us within the community as we could afford. I have seen my parents extend credit to the needy for food, groceries when they knew they would never get that money back and perhaps it meant we (children) got fewer toys or not as nice as our peers, but we had more than money, knowing what they had done for a family who would have no food that week without them. I do not have a grocery store or restaurant, but we have the means to do other thigns and offerings on a scale we can afford.
That is what community is about. BUT most of all, we are expected to give to those less fortunate than us as a way of carrying on the works intended for us, to give to His people in His name. We were raised this way and my children grew up in this way as well. In this case, there is no expectation of a reciprocal gift. We have our gift. Our gift is the great feeling of giving to those in need and knowing the happiness they feel when someone shows they care enough to do for them.
As people who appreciate community, good manners and civility, we acknowledge the gifts which take a lot of time, money and love to prepare by reciprocating because we have the means and because we do that, God always sees to it that we have the means.
This year, as mine and my husband's physical abilities are waning, I have not had the health or the time but I have given what I could in offerings to various groups in my community which support abused women, the homeles and the elderly, those places wehre I physically volunteered in the past, but this year have not been able.
Perhaps some are embarrassed they do not have the means, monetarily, and if that is the case, know that you are not judged for not giving what you cannot afford. A simple smile and "thank you" are adequate.
You can also show your appreciation with a simple "thank you" note, offering your help in doing tasks or favors for those who need assistance.
@Nonametoday You are making assumptions here. Just because people don't want home-baked goods does not make them uncharitable, ungrateful, or ungodly. Christmas is not the only time to be good to people in need, and our actions at Christmas should not be the measure of the type of people we are. We should live that way all year long.
Your post has a lecturing tone to it, which is uncalled for. While I haven't read every post yet, I haven't read one where the poster has said they refuse to be charitable to those in need when they are able. There is something to be said for people who do charitable deeds quietly. They are not looking for attention and praise for their actions. Many very wealthy and famous people are that way. I, for one, don't need a pat on the back for helping anyone. Judge me if you want for not eating home-baked goods. If your religious beliefs tell you that you have a right to judge others, while making assumptions about their beliefs or upbringing, go right ahead. I don't discuss my beliefs publicly, but I will respect your right to. I also applaud all you have done for others in the past and will continue to do for others in the future.
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