Holidays, or “holy days” as they were once know, are supposed to be for relaxation, bonding with your family and God, and focusing on your beliefs. But today there’s so much stress that comes when people get caught up with the whole idea of giving. But giving should be a joy.
2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
People get concerned with what others will think of what they’re giving instead of focusing on the thought behind it. People say “it’s the thought that counts” and this is true. The “thought” is what that person means to you, why you wanted to get the gift in the first place. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it has to be thoughtful. It’s not about giving in to the pressure that something needs to be given.

For example, in scripture the magi came to Bethlehem and gave gifts that were significant: Gold to show the royalty of the newborn King, Frankincense which pointed to Christ’s deity, and Myrrh, a strange gift for a new born, was used for embalming – this represented the importance of Christ’s death and resurrection to come.

During this holiday season, be the giver who’s sincere, spontaneous, and who willingly and joyfully gives. It’s not about what the gift is; it’s about why you’re giving it.