For many of us, Christmas has become a big production with numerous gifts and significant amounts of money spent on things that don’t really matter and we don’t really need.
When we read the Christmas Story in the bible we read about 3 gifts that were brought to the Baby Jesus. The three gifts consisted of Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh. Each of these gifts was significant for the time and culture.
Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh
Frankincense is considered holy and precious, for its use as sweet-smelling incense and perfume. Throughout history, Frankincense has been highly sought after.
Gold had and still has great monetary value. Gold was a gift often given to Kings so a very fitting gift for the King of Kings.
Myrrh has a lot of different medicinal uses and during Jesus time it was used for burials.
When I was growing up my parents kept Christmas simple and meaningful, my siblings and I each received 3 Christmas Gifts from them on Christmas Day. A useful gift, a meaningful gift, and a fun gift. After opening each gift, we would guess if that gift was useful, meaningful or fun.
Each of the 3 Christmas Gifts is a reminder of one of the gifts Baby Jesus was given.
Frankincense – Meaningful
Gold-Fun
Myrrh – Useful
The 3 Christmas Gift Challenge…
Keep Christmas simple with only 3 Christmas gifts. One useful gift, one meaningful gift, and one fun gift.
Useful Gift Idea:
The useful gift could be anything they need but also want, so get creative! The best useful gifts are things that they will enjoy getting even if it is needed. Here are just a few ideas of some useful gifts. It really can be anything that you will find useful.
- Clothing
- School Supplies
- Blankets
- Books
- Shoes
- New Bedding Sets
- Camera
- Sheet Music for Musical Instrument
Meaningful Gift Ideas:
This gift is anything that has either spiritual or personal meaning. Many meaningful gifts bring back a memory of something that has happened in the past. As well as bringing memories from the past Meaningful gifts can include making memories in the future. Some of the best Meaningful gifts involve TIME.
- Framed Photo
- Scrapbook or Photobook
- DVD with family videos
- Something handmade
- Coloring Pages made from Photos
- Personalized ABC Book
- A weekend getaway to make memories as a family
- A staycation with fun activities in your area
- Personalized Parent-Child Dates
Fun Gift Ideas:
This gift is something they want, but don’t really need. We really like having the fun gift be an experience if possible. Sometimes it’s a toy but we try to do things like going on a weekend getaway, a zoo pass, train ride, etc.
- Toys
- Instrument/Music
- A New Experience
- A little trip
- A Season Pass to a local attraction
Will you take the 3 Christmas Gift Challenge?
What a great idea! I’ve tried to simply the past few years but sometimes it’s hard. Those are such great gift ideas – shows how possible it is to make this work.
Thanks, I’m glad you like the idea. I think it’s a fun way to simplify yet keep Christmas fun.
I love this 3 gift idea for Christmas! Our culture in the United States is so materialistic and self-centered. It will only grow worse if we do not start at home making changes in the way we live life. As a Christian; I believe we must simplify our lifestyle in order to include the elements that are of eternal value. Christ is enough. We need to keep Christmas focused on loving others as Christ loved us. Acts of kindness for friends, family and strangers sow seeds of mercy as Christ poured out himself for us.
I’m glad you like the idea. We have loved keeping Christmas simple and focused on the real meaning. We save the bigger gifts for birthdays.