Okay, so this is a rough time of year if one is poor…and it is especially hard for children.

I am more keenly aware of that and try to counteract it by asking kids what kind of gifts they could give without it costing money…

One said that they could cook a meal for someone (provided they furnished their own ingredients).  Another said you could pick up trash for someone.  I suggested that they could shovel snow for someone in their neighborhood–perhaps an elderly person, as a gift.

I asked if they knew about “Pay It Forward”…they did.   We talked about the people paying it forward for customers at fast food restaurants.  I mentioned the movie, but warned them that the movie had a sad ending…half wanted to know what happened and the other half didn’t want me to tell.

I related a story I had read once where a couple had purchased a brand new car.  It was their pride and joy and they took good care of it over the years.  The husband died, however, and as the lady got older, the car was too much for her to care for it.  One night, a couple of boys from the neighborhood waited until the older lady went to bed, and then they washed the car and cleaned it all up until it gleamed.  The boys continued to do this over the years.  The lady didn’t know who her little car angels were, but she was grateful.

I told the kids they could wash a car as a gift, too.  (Of course, this would have to wait until better weather.)

And as I sit here and type, I can think of so many everyday things that could be gifts that don’t cost a thing.

I think it’s important for the poor not to feel they have nothing to contribute…that they can give gifts, too, that are just as appreciated as something bought in a store.