A Christmas of Meaning, Not Spending

Imagine this:

It's Christmas morning, and your kids are tearing into the gifts under the tree. But instead of the latest gadget or trendy toy, they find something unexpected—something handmade, heartfelt, or a simple note of love and encouragement. And their faces light up—not because of the gift itself, but because of the story behind it, the effort poured into it, and the love it represents.

This Christmas, I’m here to remind you that the magic of the season doesn’t have to come with a price tag. If money’s tight—and let’s face it, for many of us, it is—it’s time to rediscover what Christmas is really about: sharing the love of Christ, creating memories, and giving gifts that matter.

Gifts that inspire, teach, and connect us to the greatest gift of all: the love of God.

Part 1: My Own Journey—Christmas on a Budget

As a single dad of two, Christmas has always been a delicate balancing act. My heart wants to give my kids the world. I want to see their faces light up with joy, to create memories they’ll cherish forever. But there have been years when the numbers just didn’t add up. Bills piled up. Unexpected expenses came knocking. And the thought of a Pinterest-perfect Christmas felt more like a cruel joke than a goal.

But you know what? Some of our best Christmases weren’t the ones with the biggest gifts or the fanciest decorations. They were the ones where we got creative, leaned into the love of Christ, and focused on the things money can’t buy.

Part 2: The Heart of Christmas—God’s Gift to Us

Let’s take a moment to center ourselves on the reason for the season.

In Luke 2:11, the angel declares to the shepherds:
”Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

This announcement wasn’t made to kings or the wealthy elite. It was shared with shepherds—ordinary people, with ordinary lives. The birth of Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, and it came wrapped not in luxury but in humility.

This Christmas, let’s take that to heart. Giving doesn’t have to be about extravagance. It’s about embodying the spirit of Christ—love, sacrifice, and grace.

Part 3: Creative Ways to Give Without Spending Much

Now, let’s get practical. If money’s tight, here are some ways you can give meaningful gifts that cost little to nothing but overflow with love and thoughtfulness."

1. Use Your Talents:

"Think about the gifts God has given you. Are you good at baking? Write a note about how much someone means to you, and pair it with a loaf of homemade bread or a batch of cookies.

For me, I’ve found that creating something personal—like a hand-drawn card or a story I write for my kids—carries so much more meaning than anything I could buy. My daughter still keeps the ‘coupon book’ I gave her one Christmas: tickets for a movie night at home, a daddy-daughter date, and an afternoon building a fort in the living room. It cost me nothing, but it gave her everything she wanted: my time and attention."

2. Share Your Time:

"One of the most valuable gifts we can give is our time. Plan a special outing with your kids that doesn’t cost a dime—like a walk through the park to see the lights or a family movie night with popcorn and hot cocoa.

This year, I’ve planned a 'Christmas adventure scavenger hunt' for my kids. We’ll drive around the neighborhood looking for specific decorations—reindeer, Santa hats, manger scenes—and at the end, we’ll talk about which decorations remind us most of Jesus’ love."

3. Teach and Inspire:

"Use this season as an opportunity to teach your kids about Christ and the joy of giving. My kids and I have started a new tradition: making cards for neighbors, friends, or people in need. We write encouraging notes, add a verse of scripture, and hand-deliver them with a smile.

This simple act of kindness has been a powerful way to teach them that giving isn’t just about material things. It’s about sharing hope and love."

4. Repurpose and Reimagine:

"Sometimes, the best gifts are ones that have been given new life. We’ve repainted old picture frames and turned them into personalized gifts. Or taken toys my kids no longer play with, cleaned them up, and donated them to families who need them more. It’s a reminder to my kids that Christmas is about generosity and stewardship, not just consumption.

Part 4: Letting Go of Stress and Comparison

It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of wanting to do more, to give more. But let me tell you—your worth as a parent, as a friend, as a believer—is not measured by the gifts you can buy.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us:
'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'

This season, let’s focus on the treasures that last: faith, love, and connection. Let’s trade the stress of comparison for the joy of creativity. Let’s let go of what we can’t do, and embrace what we can.

Part 5: A Christmas of True Meaning

As we prepare for Christmas this year, I encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself: What do I want my kids to learn from this season?

For me, it’s about helping them see the love of Christ in every moment. It’s about showing them that joy doesn’t come from a store—it comes from the heart. And it’s about creating a legacy of faith and gratitude that will outlast any toy or gadget.

So, don’t let money—or the lack of it—rob you of the joy of Christmas. Let this season be a time of connection, creativity, and Christ-centered giving. Use what you have, give what you can, and trust that God will use it to bless those around you in ways you can’t even imagine.

Closing & Call to Action:

This Christmas, I challenge you to think outside the box. Use the gifts God has given you—your time, your creativity, your love—and make this a season to remember.

If this message resonated with you, I’d love to hear your own creative ideas for giving this Christmas. Share them with us at FaithLabz.com, or connect with us on social media. Let’s inspire each other to make this Christmas a celebration of what truly matters: faith, love, and the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.

Until next time, this is Adam Wilber with FaithLabz. Merry Christmas, and may the peace of Christ fill your hearts and homes this season.