Christmas Gift Ideas with Faith in Mind
By Clare Lazzuri
Herald Columnist
(From the issue of 12/7/06)
While looking for something on the Internet recently,
a flashing warning popped up, attempting to instill panic on me and thousands
of other computer users. It said “39 Shopping Days Left.”
The “warning” actually made me smile because it reminded me
not of the trips to the mall I will no doubt make (like everyone else),
but that when you really understand Advent and Christmas, shopping warnings
hold little meaning.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the tradition of Christmas gift-giving.
But we should ask ourselves if we’re giving the right kind of gifts,
especially to children. If we find that our gifts might be lacking in
reflecting something about the beautiful feast of Christmas, rest assured
because there are plenty of Christ-friendly gift options out there for
parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles and friends.
Most people would agree that books make fabulous gifts. Books are keepsakes
and memory makers. How much better if a book could also help build up
a child’s faith?
If you’re considering giving a book to a child on your list, here
are some Catholic options. The Weight of a Mass by Josephine Nobisso,
beautifully illustrated by Katalin Szegedu, tells the story of a poor
widow who humbly shows the bitter and snobby town baker the worth of one
Mass. Set in a Medieval, royal town, Nobisso’s use of language and
storytelling ability will appeal to readers of all ages.
Any in the series of Can you Find books written by Philip D. Gallery and
illustrated by Janet L. Harlow are good choices for offering a little
fun and information to children. There are four titles to choose from,
including: Can You Find Saints?; Can You Find Bible Heroes?; Can You Find
the Followers of Jesus?; and Can You Find Jesus? Children from ages 2
to 10 will get excited about finding the hidden pictures of Bible characters,
saints, popes, apostles and Jesus, all while reading short, interesting
synopses of their lives and importance to the faith. All four titles also
include lesson ideas in the back for parents who may want to use the books
as catechetical tools.
Caryll Houselander, author of the adult classic Wood of the Cradle, Wood
of the Cross, offers stories for children in her Catholic Tales for Boys
and Girls. Filled with the adventures of royalty and even piracy, Houselander
reminds children that wealth and status do not matter in the eyes of Christ.
Young Catholics are featured as characters who rely on prayer and Jesus
for true happiness.
In The Book of Saints and Heroes by Andrew and Lenora Lang, children will
be dazzled by tall tales of faith, including a saint who spent seven Easters
on a whale’s back and an angry wolf converted by St. Francis of
Assisi. The large, hardcover book also features true stories of saintly
courage and piety, including St. Francis Xavier and St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
This book makes a great gift for the whole family, inspiring children
and parents to discover the fascinating lives of the saints together.
Though these are a just a few suggestions, there are many more titles
that would make great Christmas gifts this year. Younger children would
love to find a religious coloring book in their stockings, such as one
of the Holy Imitation series published by Ignatius Press. Catholic author
Melissa Wiley’s series The Martha Years is quite popular with school-aged
girls, as well as the Maryknoll Sisters’ A Catholic Children’s
Treasure Box. Books centered on the Christmas story are always special
gifts. Some good titles that reflect the true spirit of the season include
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado and Mortimer’s Christmas Manger
by Karma Wilson.
The important thing to remember when choosing a Christmas gift is that
there is no need to panic when there are available so many good choices
that will help enrich a child’s faith. Call or make and visit to
your local Catholic bookstore for information.
Copyright (c) 2006 Arlington Catholic
Herald
