Faithful living: Christmas shopping

In 2017, Canada Post broke a record for most parcels delivered in a day - 1.83 million. And this was pre-COVID. Watch this video and learn the best options out there for your Christmas shopping.

Consider these for faithful living:

• Give the gift of presence and not just presents. Be there for others by reaching out to them by phone, text, mail, or through an in-person visit. Take an interest in them and pay more attention to them.
• Issue "gesture of love" cards where you promise to do something for them that they would certainly appreciate. This could be promising to take them out for coffee/tea, going for a walk with them somewhere special, helping them buy Christmas presents for others, shovelling their driveway and walkways, driving them to their medical appointments... the possibilities are endless. 
• Be prepared for presents to arrive late when purchasing online instead of insisting on a last-minute delivery. Just let your loved one know that the gift is on its way. A late gift is not necessarily a bad thing. Gifts received after Christmas Day do not compete with the other presents unwrapped on Christmas Day. Plus, Christmas is a season, not just a day. 
• To take it up a notch, consider implementing at least one of these 3 #LaudatoSi Eco Christmas action items:
  • Buying even one fewer gift is a move toward a more meaningful and sustainable lifestyle
  • If you drive to purchase Christmas presents, make as few car trips as possible, or take public transportation
  • When buying gifts, commit to spending 5 to 10 minutes researching ethical and sustainable sources. 

Remember that Christmas ends after the the feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. It does not matter what you give as presents for others. It's the heart and thought behind the gifts that matter. 

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7