Faithful living: Wrapped for Christmas

Even the wrapping itself can become part of the Christmas gift. 
Need creative ideas for wrapping Christmas presents? If you want your wrapping to "look sophisticated, neat, and pretty, just without all the waste, exploitation, and environmental impact" --> check out these 15 eco-friendly gift wrap ideas. 

Consider these for faithful living: 

• Not all presents need to be wrapped. Most things are already presentably packaged. 
• Not all presents need to be things! Think of service and presence. 
• Don't just think of the gift wrap. Also consider when and how you will present the gift. Perhaps tell them how they mean to you. Your presents are only an expression of what they mean to you. 
• Don't forget spiritual gifts. Offer a rosary for them, novena, an hour in Adoration for their intentions, perhaps requesting a Mass for their intentionsfrom your home parish, or offering an act of penance and love for them. 
• Have fun. Finding presents and determining what we can offer them should be done in love and joy. This is the spirit of Christmas, a spirit of gratitude for the greatest Gift we have received from God the Father of His Son Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. 
  
  

Our Christmas presents to loved ones should be an expression of gratitude. It has been said that Life is God's gift to you. What you do with that life is your gift to God.  Be intent on how your life can serve God.

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10