It’s always hard to know how much to spend on gifts. Here’s what it says in a hundred-year-old home economics textbook:
Gifts
At the end of the year many persons who do not keep accounts would be very much surprised if they could see the total sum of money that has been devoted to gifts. Some would be impressed by the smallness of the total sum, and others would be astonished at the disproportionately large amount used. This represents money used for others, but it cannot be taken as a very valuable index of generosity toward others. The money devoted to church and benevolence is a better indication of generosity.
Gifts are given very frequently to persons from whom gifts are received and it very often happens that they are chosen with the idea of equaling in value a gift received. Very frequently gifts represent a money value entirely out of proportion to the income. This class of expenditures may well receive a more careful consideration by many persons. One’s real regard and generosity to friends never can be measured in money and it is unfortunate to put such emphasis upon gifts.
Economics of the Family by C.W. Taber and Ruth A Wardall (1923)
How very true this is. The fact is that we love being givers, but few are comfortable with being receivers (which is why we immediately reciprocate). I am humbled to think that the story of Christmas teaches us more about receiving than giving. We — stripped of our trappings and our arrogance — are actually needy, incapable of saving ourselves, and we have been gifted with a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. God did not give us what we might have thought we needed — more stuff or more power — he gave us a baby who grew to a man, who had come from heaven with the express purpose of restoring the right relationship he wants with us. He gives, we receive, and in our gratitude we give ourselves back to him. Praise his holy name.
I think you’re right. Many people find it difficult to receive. Have a wonderful Christmas season!
Merry Christmas!
That last sentence needs to be typed in bold letters. Thanks for sharing, Sheryl!
How true – regard and generosity to friends never can be measured in money.
Good advice for current times.
I’m glad you liked it I also thought that it was good advice that has remained relevant across the years.
New Englanders are notorious for always trying to keep the scales in balance! If a neighbor drops off a bag of extra apples, then applesauce will be returned to them, just to keep things right.
I love it. I’m not a New Englander, but I sometimes think about gifts similarly. 🙂