The Case for Christmas Gifts...Make the Season Memorable.

Show staff & volunteers your gratitude for their long hours and heart! If you cannot see images, please [click here]( [logo]( [Shop CTA Products]( [Women's Ministry]( [Men's Ministry]( [Children's Ministry]( [General Ministry]( [CTA Advantage]( October 2022 The Case for Christmas Gifts By Kristin Schultz Christmas is a time for gift giving. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend an average of $997.72 on gifts and holiday items. Giving presents to our friends, families and loved ones is one of the greatest joys of the season. As Christians, we get to not only give and receive but also be reminded and remind others of the many gifts God has given us, . . . [Read More]( [Shop]( tips & trends Some people are natural gift givers. Perhaps you know (or are) someone who always gives the perfect gift. When it comes to giving gifts, there is always pressure to give the right gift to the right person. We want the recipient to know how much we love and care about him or her. When it comes to giving gifts to volunteers and members at Christmas, here are some ways to give a gift that they will treasure. Personalize Gifts can be personalized either by giving specific gifts to specific people or by writing a personal note to go with the gift. If you know or can find out about your volunteers’ interests and hobbies outside of serving at church, you are well on your way to finding the right gift. Here are some things to look for to help: - Favorite color - Favorite sports team - Favorite beverage: coffee, tea, soft drink, etc. - Favorite food - Type of music they listen to - Hobbies like knitting, reading, or hiking Localize Supporting local businesses has become highly popular as communities look to support their neighbors. Consider giving a gift card for a local business as a way of showing your volunteers and your community that you as a church are invested in their success. Many local businesses may also donate to your church throughout the year. Spending your money with these businesses is a great way to show your appreciation to them. For example, consider buying gift cards for or hosting your volunteer Christmas party at a local restaurant—particularly one that has donated food to your church events earlier in the year. Experience Sometimes the best gift isn’t a thing at all. Consider local experiences that your volunteers may enjoy such as a spa treatment, an exercise class, or a round of golf. Focus on experiences that will give your volunteers the opportunity to relax and enjoy a time of fellowship or rejuvenation. As with a physical gift, make sure that the gift of an experience is tailored to the volunteer’s interests and can be used when and how the volunteer chooses. Heartfelt When it comes to congregational gifts, the message that goes with the gift is your opportunity to tell members and guests that you are thankful for them and to reinforce the Christmas message of God’s love for us in Jesus. The message can be typed or printed and given along with the gift. If you have the time or resources, you can personalize the greeting to each family or family member. Remember to include important information for guest gifts, including your church’s name, social media channels, service times, and contact information. Hit the mark with volunteers and congregation members and guests by making sure that the gifts you give are given with generosity and authenticity. We’ve all heard that “it’s the thought that counts” and it’s true! Taking time to think through gift giving will be an encouragement and a treasure that lasts well beyond the Christmas season. You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use when you include this credit line and receive no monetary benefit from it: © 2022 CTA, Inc. Used with permission. Other helpful blogs: [This Gift is for You]( by Jane Fryar [If Your Volunteers Wrote a Christmas List]( by Gail Marsh [Get Ready! Christmas Preparation and Advent Ideas]( Kristin Schultz [Women's Ministry]( [Men's Ministry]( [Children's Ministry]( [General Ministry]( [CTA Advantage]( [facebook]( [pinterest]( [youtube]( [instagram]( CTA, Inc. 1653 LARKIN WILLIAMS ROAD Suite 202, FENTON, MO 63026, United States customerservice@ctainc.com []( This email was sent to {EMAIL} because you've subscribed on our site or made a purchase. [Unsubscribe]( | [Edit preferences](