Finding Harmony in Advent: Day 11

Do You Really Need More Stuff?

Our yard sale advent calendar

For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8: 9

The year I helped my parents downsize, I had a crash course in dealing with all their accumulated “stuff.” One man at my parents’ auction said, “You know, when I left for college, I put all my stuff in the trunk of my car. When I left college it all fit in two carloads. When I got married, we were able to put all our stuff in a pick-up. When we moved from our apartment, we needed a U-Haul.” And then late in life you need an auction to take care of your accumulated possessions!

You probably have a similar story. But it is worthwhile to note that today kids can hardly go to college with all their stuff in the trunk of a car. Today it takes a van or the back of a truck. What will this generation accumulate by the time they’re 80?

So, while scaling down is sad, and the process of going through stuff stirs up roomfuls of memories, this is part of the rhythm of life, like a tree losing its leaves. It can actually feel good to travel lighter through life. In the end, even the most cherished photo albums won’t go to heaven with us.

I like the tradition of many older folks from my church. As they get ready to move to a retirement facility, they invite us to their home and say, “Take something to remember us by.” In one case, a woman brought me a beautiful casserole dish and said, “Here, I want you to have this.” Another couple picked out a number of things they thought we would like and designated them for us, including some thoughtful and valuable antiques. In another situation we could make donations towards moving expenses if we wanted.

So why do we accumulate and give more stuff every Christmas? Maybe you have some on your list who would actually appreciate a gift given in their honor to their favorite charity (not your favorite). Most elderly parents, instead of any gift, would value much more the gift of time spent with them: either during the holidays, if you live at a distance, or specific plans for a time when you will get together. If you live nearby, setting up a weekly visit might be just the gift your mother would like. Small children too, often would rather have your undivided attention for an evening or a day than just another toy.

Don’t be bashful about passing on gifts that have been given to you that you know you will never use. Take them to a white elephant gift exchange with a group of friends—usually quite a hoot if done in a spirit of fun. Even if you don’t have the energy to be creative and “meaningful” with your entire gift giving, try it with one or two people. You’ll be glad you did. Blogger and family counselor Harvey Yoder wrote recently of being ok with careful regifting, here.

Prayer: Lord, help us to keep our eyes on your gift to the world. Amen.