A Few Last-Minute Christmas Ideas

We don’t spend a lot of money on presents at Christmas. One reason is that we just don’t have the money to spend “big bucks” this time of year. Another reason, though, is that we would rather do other things with our money.

Maybe you need a few last-minute ideas that are a little different. Here are just a couple you might consider, and some can’t even be put under the tree:

1. Paula Harrington wrote an article a couple of weeks ago, encouraging readers to “adopt” a baby for Christmas. Her blog contains the information and some pictures of children in Zambia who need help. Your money goes to the College church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas, to support the Lord’s work in Zambia. Click here for the information on Paula’s blog.

2. It isn’t too late to order a Bible and have it shipped by Christmas. Instead of going to a store, you can order a Bible from Amazon.com and have it shipped (in two days) and still most likely get it more inexpensively than at a store. If you have someone who wants a new Bible for Christmas, what better way to spend your money on a gift?

3. Maybe you are interested in making a donation in honor of someone as a Christmas gift. May I recommend giving money to the work of Focus Press? This good organization publishes THINK magazine monthly, and also has many other useful items dealing with current moral issues facing people. It is an honor for me to tell you that I will be writing for the magazine in the coming months. That aside, the work needs your help to grow. THINK is growing quickly and is even beginning to show up on some news stands–an amazing accomplishment. Click here to find out more about the work of Focus Press.

4. This usually shows up on lists like this one, but it is a gift that others greatly enjoy: create a coupon book for good deeds around the house (or neighborhood). These don’t have to be anything fancy, and they deeds don’t have to cost much–if any–money. The things you put in these coupon books can be hand-selected for the person you are giving the book to, and they will appreciate the thought and the help. A good deed is always a good gift.

There are other gifts you could get, but these are some that I have thought of over the last few days that are both helpful and timely. They don’t take a lot of money, but can make a difference for a lifetime–and even beyond!