The best Christmas gifts. What gifts are given for Christmas. Christmas tree. vintage fun

It is better to think about gifts for Christmas even before the New Year's fuss, otherwise the festive carousel will spin in such a way that there will be no time or energy left for shopping trips. When going to visit friends, you can simplify the task and buy one useful gift for everyone and a sweet gift for a child. At Christmas, it is not necessary to buy expensive gifts, it is enough to get by with a cake and a bottle of wine or bring a set of tea, a gift jar of good coffee or a box of chocolates as a congratulation. The most Christmas present is curly gingerbread, you can buy them in advance or bake them yourself. On the eve of the holiday, various goods with a Christmas theme appear in stores: watches, calendars, mugs, candles, key rings, bookmarks, magnets, pens and notepads. To create a festive atmosphere and color your wishes and congratulations, friends, colleagues and relatives should definitely buy small surprises.

What to give a child for Christmas

Gifts such as rattles, cubes, bathing toys, pyramids, tumblers are suitable for babies up to three years old. Jumpers, rocking chairs or walkers will be a good gift for a grandson. You can give a little boy an inexpensive but pleasant toy for him: a typewriter, an automatic machine, a set of tools for home master, constructor or drawing board. A godchild for Christmas should buy a radio-controlled helicopter, car or plane. Would be a great gift for my son Railway or multi-level parking. If you want to buy a developing gift, then you should choose a set for chasing or burning, an aircraft model for self-assembly, a kit for chemical experiments or a kit for creating plaster bas-reliefs. The student can be given board game or a game for the street, such as children's badminton or a soccer ball.

A girl can buy a set of dishes or a set of toy products, a stroller or a crib for a doll, a home cleaning kit or a kit for playing in the store. The goddaughter will definitely like a microwave, refrigerator or coffee maker. For Christmas, it is best to give your beloved daughter or granddaughter an interactive soft toy who can walk, make sounds and respond to touch. A children's umbrella, a handbag or a set of accessories for creating hairstyles is suitable for a gift to the daughters of acquaintances. Daughter's girlfriends will be delighted with children's cosmetics, key chains in the form of small toys and small dolls. If you want to make educational gifts, you should pay attention to kits for embroidery, soap making, jewelry making or modeling.

What can you give a woman for Christmas

A familiar woman can buy a Christmas chocolate figure or a caramel bouquet as a gift. An excellent gift for mom would be a canvas painting drawn from her photo, or a family tree photo frame. The most appropriate Christmas gift for a girlfriend or wife is a small jewelry. If the girl you love combines intelligence and beauty, then best gift for her - a USB flash drive in a jewelry case in the form of a pendant with rhinestones or a keychain with pebbles. Women - work colleagues on Christmas can be congratulated with inexpensive figurines in the form of cute angels, and if you want to make useful gifts, you can buy some little things for the kitchen: silicone cupcake molds, pepper mills, spice containers, a set of hot coasters or kitchen towels with a matching pattern. Young girls will be pleased to receive something for beauty as a gift: a pocket mirror, nail polish, bath foam or hand cream. It is better for unfamiliar girls to buy a box of chocolates or a jar of good coffee.

What to buy as a Christmas present for a man

You can give your beloved man or brother for Christmas beautiful clip for a tie, cufflinks, business card holder or document cover from genuine leather, a universal car holder, a mug with his photo, a key chain, a car charm toy, a steering wheel braid or a lighter. In that family holiday it is appropriate to give warm gifts: scarves, sweaters, dressing gowns. A man you know can be bought as a gift an original flask for strong drinks, a stand for pens or CDs, an interesting book, gift-wrapped spirits, an ashtray or a table clock. For a young guy, the easiest way is to choose some gadget for a computer: a USB hub, headphones, miniature speakers, a USB flash drive, a wireless mouse, or a funny rug. If a man often attends sports events, then he will like a comfortable seat for a fan, and a guy who sits at home all day will definitely need a home horizontal bar for a doorway.

DIY Christmas gifts

The most expensive Christmas gifts keep the warmth of the hands of the one who not only gave them, but also made them himself. The easiest way is to make beautiful candles in the shape of Christmas stars for friends and relatives. Christmas angels will look very symbolic, which can be made from paper or sewn from patches of white fabric and lace. A woman can be given a gift box from a round box in which portioned cheese is sold. The lid of the box should be decorated with a postcard corresponding to the holiday theme. On the eve of the holiday, beautiful Christmas napkins are sold, they can be used to decorate various items using decoupage technique. With a little effort, a bread cutting board, an empty bottle, paper box or an old vase.

If there is no money for gifts, then you can limit yourself beautiful postcards in which pleasant and good wishes will be written.

It is quite appropriate to give handmade things or inexpensive trinkets chosen with soul.

What to give for Christmas 2019 to women

A Christmas present for a woman does not have to be memorable or practical. If it causes positive emotions, consider that the goal has been achieved.

girl

Not yet a wife, but already a close man. Choosing what you can give a girl for Christmas - think about how well you know her.

Chocolate figurines. Universal gift in case the girl is not allergic to this food product and is not on a strict diet.
USB stick. Suitable for a practical person who is used to using the achievements of technology. If you choose the shape of the drive, taking into account its taste, there is a chance to please doubly.
Beautiful jewelry. We noticed that the girl often changes outfits and dyeing, which means that such a gift is for her. Do not be lazy to go shopping with her - you will have the opportunity to find out about her desires in this direction.

Genet

You don't need to be a visionary to find out which gift will cause a sparkle of happiness in the eyes of your missus:

Gold jewelry. In advance, “wander” with your wife to a jewelry store, watch the direction of her interested looks.
An original stand for jewelry or an expensive jewelry box. A beautiful and useful gift.
Good spirits. Doubt the choice - give her a certificate to the perfume store.

girlfriend

Surprise your friend this Christmas with a small symbolic gift. Choose direction:

Exclusive tea or coffee gift box. On these days, it is customary to arrange family feasts followed by tea drinking, so the present will come in handy.
Sushi set. A gift would be appropriate if a friend is a big fan of Japanese cuisine and has long dreamed of learning how to cook exotic dishes on her own.
Beautiful shaped candles. This is one of the symbols of Christmas, such a present will emphasize the atmosphere of the holiday in your girlfriend's house. Another option is an interesting form of aroma lamp with a set of aroma oils.

What to give for Christmas 2019 for men

They tend to appreciate the practicality of gifts more. But if you fulfill his even a small dream of a man on Christmas, he will rejoice like a child.

guy

Choose a gift based on his hobbies:

Devices for home sports - horizontal bar for a doorway, dumbbells, expander. Suitable young man who basically loves physical exercise, but he never has enough time to go to the gym.
Computer gadgets - USB hub, wireless mouse, flexible keyboard. Without these things, modern guys can’t imagine life - just take a closer look at what exactly he lacks or it’s time to change.
Comfortable fan seat. Good gift if a young man loves to cheer for his favorite team at the stadium.

Husband

The desires of a spouse for a good wife do not remain a secret. For those who are still in doubt - a few ideas:

Devices and accessories for cars - a cape with heating or a massager (or with both), an air ionizer, a pendant-amulet. Actual exclusively for motorists.
Expensive cufflinks, tie clips and ties themselves are gifts for men who like to look status or are obliged to do so by their position.
A good men's bag, purse - you can always choose the right option for your beloved man.

Brother

If you live nearby and maintain a relationship, be sure to get him a small present:

Warm gloves or scarf. Men are in dire need of care, especially from relatives.
A mug for tea (coffee), decorated with his photo. As an option - a cup with USB-heating. Definitely useful if the brother works in the office.
Keychain with the symbols of his favorite team. Remind him that you are not alien to his hobbies.

What to give for Christmas 2019 to parents

Are you going to celebrate Christmas with your parents or with your husband's parents? You can bring with you both general gifts (a tea set with a Christmas theme or a decor item - paintings, candlesticks), and individual ones:

Mame (mother-in-law)

Tippet, neckerchief, fashionable bag. Remind your mom that you see her as a woman first.
Kitchen appliances - a set of coasters for hot dishes, a set of woven napkins with Christmas motifs, silicone molds for baking cupcakes or making ice, household scales. Emphasize how much you appreciate her culinary accomplishments.
Poinsettia flower. A woman who is fond of breeding "pets" on the windowsill will surely like a bright plant called "Christmas Star".

Pape (father-in-law)

Thermos or accessories for hunting or fishing (backpack, rubber boots). Of course, if these hobbies are included in the circle of his interests.
Board games (chess, backgammon) in a souvenir version. Suitable for intellectuals who like to spend time playing with a neighbor.
Good cognac, as an option - in a beautiful flask. A universal men's gift (he won't drink himself - he will treat his friends).

What to give for Christmas 2019 to grandparents

If you want to visit your grandparents for Christmas, bake a fragrant cake, grab a bottle of medicinal balm and a jar of honey. On this holiday, give the elderly people things that will warm them in the winter and remind you of your care:

Woolen items - socks, scarf, sweater mittens or gloves. It will be better if you tie them with your own hands. If you don’t have such skills, buy the product you like in the store.
Heated slippers. Make sure that the elderly enjoy the benefits of civilization.
Bright plaid natural materials. It will not only keep you warm while watching your favorite TV series, but will also cheer you up.

What to give for Christmas 2019 to children

At Christmas, it is not necessary to give children large and expensive gifts. The main criterion is that they must be age appropriate and please the kids:

Sweets. It's no secret that a box of candy can make any child happy.
Toys. There are many options - cars, dolls, pyramids, a railway and board games.
School supplies - pencil cases, backpacks, sets of pencils complete with an album. Useful Christmas gifts are also welcome.

What do godparents give for Christmas - to godchildren and vice versa

At Christmas, it is customary for Orthodox godparents to give gifts to children for whose spiritual life they have taken responsibility. Give your child or teen items that will help them develop:

Accessories for creativity. Depending on age, finger paints are suitable, wax crayons, coloring, plasticine, watercolor or gouache, polymer clay, sets for creating bijouterie.
Educational toys - designers, sets of young chemists, puzzles.
Books. You can always choose an age-appropriate option: a rainproof book for very young children, with fairy tales (for example, Frost) for preschoolers, about adventures for those who can read on their own.

A gift to godparents can be presented by the godson himself. A hand-made present for a New Year and Christmas theme (with the help of parents) would be appropriate:

Figure cookies. Mom will help to knead the simplest shortcrust pastry, and the kid will cut Christmas trees and stars out of it using molds from the standard set. Next, you will again need the help of adults near the oven. Wrap cookies nicely with your child.
Holiday postcard. Useful cardboard colored paper, glue, glitter, decorative snowflakes and bright ribbons. Well, and, of course, at least the beginnings of creative inclinations. Images of angels, candles, Christmas decorations are welcome on the card.
Basket with fruits and sweets. Even if you have already grown up, do not forget that you can and should give your godmother a tasty and vitamin present for Christmas.

What to give colleagues for Christmas 2019

If you want the Christmas mood to reign in your team, present your colleagues with small cute gifts that will match the spirit of the holiday:

desktop calendars of relevant subjects (if you work in an office);
Christmas pastries - gingerbread or cookies;
figurines of angels - porcelain, chocolate or other materials.

What to give for Christmas: characteristics of the main traditions + a list of symbolic gifts + gift ideas for lovers and spouses + the best presents for relatives and loved ones + ideas for what to give to children + step-by-step instruction choosing a Christmas gift + an example of how people from other countries congratulate each other on Christmas.

There are many options for what to give your loved ones for Christmas. You can choose some trinket or present a really necessary and valuable gift. Today I will share with you ideas of what to present to your family, friends and loved ones on this magical holiday.

What gifts are usually given at Christmas?

Previously, about 100-200 years ago, Christmas was considered the most significant celebration in people's lives. Everyone from young to old was looking forward to it, carefully prepared gifts, put on best clothes and went to congratulate relatives.

After numerous revolutions, Christmas in many families has lost its significance. During this period, the fundamental holiday becomes New Year. This continued until recently.

But now the trends are changing, and Christmas again takes pride of place among the winter celebrations. Now people everywhere are asking the question: “What to give family and friends for Christmas?”.

There is, of course, no universal answer to this question. The choice of a gift depends largely on what budget you have, and whether the person you plan to congratulate is a believer.

You can choose small but symbolic gift or something else that symbolizes your love and support.

Note that on Christmas the value of a gift is not its value, but with what intentions and wishes you present it to your loved ones. On this day, the main thing is to show care and remind your family that you love and appreciate them.

What to give for Christmas: 8 traditional presents

If you do not want or are afraid to give an unnecessary item for Christmas, choose a traditional gift.

It will be a great option if you and your loved one are believers. So you share a piece of Christmas, and show respect for the great holiday.

The following gifts are considered traditional on this day:

Candles are an ancient symbol of Christmas. According to legend, it was the candles that lit up with the birth of Jesus Christ that became a sign of a miracle. Therefore, giving a candle for Christmas will be a great idea. You can choose a scented candle or a decorated one. spruce branches and dried fruits. Here already be guided by your preferences.

Bells.

Another symbol of Christmas is bells. They can be in the form of a Christmas toy or a Christmas composition. In any case, it will be a traditional and pleasant gift.

It is said that on Christmas night the sky opens and angels descend to earth, so they are considered the harbingers of Christmas. You can give a decorative figurine in the shape of an angel or Christmas tree toy. Such a gift will mean that you wish for your loved one a permanent guardian angel nearby.

Christmas wreath.

The tradition of giving Christmas wreaths came to us from the West, but has long since become popular. Ideally, you can give a Christmas wreath with candles that would be appropriate to light during the Christmas feast.

Sweets.

Since the holiday of Christmas coincides with the end of Lent, you can present some kind of treat, for example, gingerbread or Christmas cake. Remarkably, skilled housewives can prepare such a present with their own hands. This will only make the gift more valuable.

Postcards.

To sign a card for Christmas and give it to a loved one means to leave a memory of yourself good wishes. Older people will highly appreciate such a gift - in their time it was customary to give each other beautiful large postcards.

Believers can be presented with a Bible at Christmas. Since this holiday is religious, I think such a present will be appreciated.

Another gift option for a believer is an icon. If you yourself cannot choose the right one, ask the church shop for help. They will advise you and help you make the right choice.

For the most part, traditional Christmas gifts are distinguished by their simplicity and economy. These gift options are not expensive, but are highly valued from a spiritual point of view.

Note: and gingerbread cookies, and postcards, and even a candle can be made with your own hands. This is a great way to wish a loved one a Merry Christmas without spending a fabulous amount of money.

TOP 10 ideas of what to give a man and a woman for Christmas

Traditional Christmas gifts are perfect for friends, acquaintances and colleagues. It is much more difficult to guess with the choice of a present for your soulmate - a man or a woman.

I suggest choosing one of the following.

gift idea
man	woman
Warm hat and scarf. You can take good care of your man in a simple way- give him Warm scarf or a hat. It's better if it's a set. I'm sure he'll be delighted that you care so much about his health.	Jewelry. Most women love beautiful and fashionable accessories. Especially if they are made of precious metal. By Christmas, you can present your lady of the heart with a bracelet, pendant or earrings.
Thermo mug. If your man spends a lot of time driving or on the street, a thermal cup will be for him the best option. You can also present a set of fragrant tea to it.	Kitchenware. If your wife or girlfriend loves to cook and spoil you with pastries, then she will surely be delighted with new silicone molds or a large cookbook with recipes.
Cufflinks. Despite the fact that men do not like to go shopping, they also like to look spectacular. In this case, cufflinks are suitable as a gift. They can be presented together with a new shirt.	Sweets. Women love sweets and that's a fact. Focus on what your wife or girlfriend loves. You can give her a beautiful box of chocolates, chocolates or a set with fruits, sweets and cookies or jam.
Accessory for cars. To all lovers of my iron horse, I recommend giving something functional, for example, a phone holder, a navigator, a camera or a massage seat cover.	Tippet or scarf, gloves. For many representatives of the beautiful half of humanity, the skin of the hands suffers from the cold in winter. To show care, give your favorite gloves, and pick up a warm scarf for them.
Sweater. A warm knitted sweater will be appreciated by men who are forced to go on business trips or disappear for a long time at work. And if you are also a needlewoman, and you can tie it with my own hands, then it will be doubly pleasant.	Theater tickets. I think any woman will be pleased to receive tickets to the theater or to a concert as a gift. Continue like this romantic evening can be in a restaurant.

When choosing a gift for a loved one, it is not the gift itself that is important, but the fact that you care about each other and try to please your soul mate. Therefore, a gift can also be symbolic, for example, a new large mug or keychain. The main thing is that it be from a pure heart.

What to give relatives for Christmas, relatives and parents?

At Christmas, people often go to visit and present, for example, to parents or grandparents. What can please the older generation?

There are several proven options here:

Household appliances or electrical appliance - coffee maker, toaster, waffle iron or bread machine. Often, parents spare money for such household helpers, and sometimes they don’t have time to keep up with the times and keep up with the latest. In addition, by presenting such a gift, you will please yourself - there will be an extra reason to look at freshly brewed coffee or a hot waffle.
Home decor - a jewelry box, a photo frame in the form of a family tree, a key holder. One of the most successful ideas in this regard is a photo frame - parents love to look at photos of their children and grandchildren. Therefore, do not forget to give a frame with already inserted photos.
Textiles - a warm blanket, new potholders, bathrobes or slippers. Elderly people love warmth and comfort. Take care and warm them not only with your warmth, but also with a cozy blanket.
A basket of goodies - fruits, chocolates, pies, jams or sweets. You can, after selecting the "container" and filling it with goodies at your discretion.
Books - adventure novels, historical essays, a collection of recipes. Surely your parents love to read. Give them that opportunity by choosing the literature they prefer.
Dishes - a new tea or coffee service, a set of bowls, a series of Christmas plates. I am sure that your mother or grandmother will be delighted with the opportunity to set the table with new cutlery and dishes.
Flowers - Christmas star or poinsettia. This beautiful and bright flowerpot will definitely decorate the home of your loved ones. The gift will turn out to be very original, but at the same time, traditional.

In fact, when choosing a gift for relatives, you can show imagination. Perhaps there is something that your family has long dreamed of? Since Christmas is a period when, you have a great opportunity to realize at least one cherished dream.

What about a gift for a child?

If at Christmas you plan to go on a visit where there are small children, or you yourself are parents, then in no case should you forget about a present for them.

It is best to give children a book or an educational toy for Christmas - a needlework kit. Board games are also great.

If you want to present original gift Present your child with tickets to a circus or puppet show. Older children can be given money.

How to cope with the choice of gifts for the whole family: step by step instructions

At Christmas, it is customary to give a gift to each member of the family. And if you have a large family, then the choice of gifts can be delayed and cost you a pretty penny. How to avoid it? I propose to proceed step by step.

Steps	Description
Step 1. Make a list of all the gifts you need to buy.	To understand how many gifts you need to purchase, make a list of names of whom you intend to congratulate on this day.
Step 2. Analyze everyone's hobbies.	To make the choice faster and easier, outline what you plan to buy for each of your family members and loved ones.
Step 3. Go shopping early.	And in order to save money, and to choose what you want in a relaxed atmosphere, go shopping in advance. If you look for gifts at the end of November, you can save a lot - sales are held everywhere during this period.
Step 4. Get gifts and take care of their packaging.	Beautiful gift wrapping is an important attribute of any present. So stock up wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. And don't forget to hide your gifts well before Christmas.

Such simple at first glance rules and tips will help you choose gifts in advance and please your loved ones with them.

Is it worth choosing gifts in advance?

I know for myself that most of the presents on the eve of the New Year and Christmas are bought in last moment, when shopping centers are overcrowded, and in order to purchase what you want, you will need to stand in line for at least 20-30 minutes.

To avoid this situation, gifts can be purchased in advance. Does it make sense?

Well, it is up to you to choose a gift in advance or buy it on the eve of the holiday using the online service. But it seems to me that there is a sense in shopping long before the holiday, and the experience of foreign countries testifies to this.

Ideas for what to give a man for the New Year and Christmas:

An example of how and what is customary to give for Christmas abroad

Christmas is big celebration not only in our country. On this day, in many other countries, people also set up lavish feasts and give gifts. What exactly do foreign residents choose as presents?

In Sweden, it is customary to choose gifts that are useful and not large. Postcards and theater tickets are often presented here. The Swedes believe that decor is a good gift, but not always appropriate.

In France, there are no special requirements for choosing a gift - here everyone chooses gifts based on their financial capabilities.

In England and Italy, Christmas is celebrated generously: here it is customary to buy only expensive and valuable gifts, for example, computers or other gadgets. In the USA, they often “don’t bother” with a gift, presenting sweets and money.

As for Germany, its inhabitants are not accustomed to spending money on gifts for loved ones. They believe that the main thing is attention, so they can present some kind of trinket or toy.

But despite the differences in tradition different countries, they are united by one thing - almost all residents of foreign countries tend to purchase gifts in advance in order to save their time and money, and, importantly, to present a really necessary gift.

Still thinking what to give for Christmas? Use the ideas that I have provided in this article and surprise your loved ones on this magical day.

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Christmas in Russia has a special meaning and respect. Among the Orthodox these days it is customary to greet each other like this: “Christ is born!” - in response they say: “We praise him!”

Church people have been preparing for Christmas since the end of November - with the beginning of the strictly Advent fast. Fasting, prayer and the desire to get rid of one's own bad habits put the preparation for the holiday on a high level of importance.

For those who attend church several times a year, Christmas also remains one of the most important spiritual holidays. Many people strive to do good deeds on this day and celebrate the holy days of Christmas as correctly as possible from the point of view of church canons.

Based on the spirituality of this holiday, it is necessary to select gifts and congratulations, given that it is not at all the same thing that is given and wished to relatives and close people, friends and acquaintances, colleagues and boss.

What do church people give each other for Christmas

A good gift will be something that will reveal the spiritual significance of the holiday of the Nativity of Christ to the maximum.

It is better to choose a gift in an Orthodox church. Only under one condition, if the recipient is not an atheist, but a person who believes in God and has a good attitude towards the Church, icons and everything connected with this.

If you have a desire to give a gold cross and purchase it in a jewelry store, then it will need to be consecrated in the church. This also applies to buying icons in the store. To do this, you need to come to church on the day of worship and already there learn how to consecrate a cross or icon.

Suitable for a gift cross, even if a person wears a wearable icon, the cross should still be on the chest.
It matters that the Crucifixion be Orthodox and not Catholic. This is easy to determine: there were four nails on the body of Christ during the crucifixion - one on each arm and leg, while Catholics have three of them - in their hands, and both legs are nailed with one nail.

You can give an icon. It is better to find out what icons you already have so as not to give a second one. The first houses should be the icons of the Savior Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It has an old Russian tradition.
Further, the icon of the patron saint, in whose honor the person was baptized, the icons of Angels and images of the Virgin, among which, the most revered is the Kazan Mother of God.
A good gift would be an icon in the car. Or the over-door icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos - believers turn to the Mother of God when leaving and entering the house: they ask the Queen of Heaven to Cover with Her Protection.
They often give holy oil, a “Living in Help” belt, a lamp, a home-made censer and incense.

When choosing a Christmas gift, pay attention to spiritual books.
The Bible and the Gospel are invaluable.
The Bible contains the books of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
And the Gospel is only the books of the New Testament: the four Gospels, the apostolic acts and epistles.

An excellent, God-pleasing gift is a prayer book.
Prayer books are common and with a selection of prayers for different categories of people, here are just a few of them:
- for the mother;
- for youth;
- for a warrior or soldier;
- for the family;
— Prayer book with interpretation;
— Prayer book and Psalter (to read the Psalter, you need to get the blessing of the priest);
— Prayers before certain icons.

Prayer will be a wonderful gift, a manifestation of Love and care.
In an Orthodox church, you can order the Sorokoust liturgy for health. For forty days the name will be read in the altar during the most important Divine service - the Divine Liturgy.
If desired, you can do the same for six months or a year.

What do Orthodox Christians want for Christmas?

If on the days of Orthodox celebrations we are confident in the correctness of good deeds, then congratulations should also contain care and a desire for good. Wishes should carry purity and goodwill.

We must try to congratulate on the Great Feast of the Nativity of Christ those with whom we are in a quarrel, whom we have offended or those who have offended us. It is better to start such a congratulation with the words of apology. Reconciliation is the first and most remarkable indicator of morality and goodness.
Having reconciled with everyone, the soul becomes easy and pleasant.

1. Wish real joy from life, joy and gratitude for our beautiful world.

2. Wish for Love. Love for everyone around. To wish not only good, but also kindness in everything.

3. Wish everyone to forgive each other and meet the feast of the Nativity of Christ in the world.

4. To wish God's help in personal life, in study and work.

5. To wish the Grace of God in all life and in all good undertakings.

Who and how to congratulate

It is customary to congratulate and give gifts first of all to relatives and friends. Of course parents and godparents.

A great deed of love and nobility will be the congratulations of the homeless and the poor. Children in a boarding school or hospital. Elderly people living nearby - that is, those who will not be able to give us something in return. You can buy just chocolates, canned food, kefir or juice, cookies or sausage. Anything, according to the wallet.

Better to do it with your kids. So that it is the children who give a can of condensed milk into the wounded and shaking hands of a homeless person.

This is very important when our home child gives a chocolate bar to his peer in orphanage who, falling asleep, dreams that maybe tomorrow they will call him and say: “Get ready, mom has come for you!” For our children to acquire the skill of giving - this will definitely return to us when the children become adults, and we will take the place of the neighbor's old people: kindness always gives continuation! The good that we have born will live where we leave it. And who knows, maybe a boy in a boarding school, who received a chocolate bar from us, will become a doctor in a few years and will treat poor people for free.

Can these faces be forgotten? This marvelous mixture of surprise and petrified courage!

It seems that this is called a conflict of duties: when you are "torn" between two fires - to seize the villain or give in to the sweetness of criminal solidarity.

Moscow before Christmas, and I'm in Moscow. In the last hours before the train, I remembered the gift to our elder. All in bags, in a coat unbuttoned from the heat - where to look? The gift shop is right there, and everything here in the capitals is expensive, but this baby candlestick with a dragon will appeal to the priest. Not enough money. Looking for a bank All closed. Ran the whole street. In bags. In fur coats. There are some "courses" in the alley. They gave it out, as if from under the floor. I rush back "to the gifts", holding crumpled banknotes. It's an hour to the train, and from here there are two transfers. Will I succeed?

The languid ladies look sleepily, but indulgently:

- You in a gift box?

- Let's.

- It can be in such a box. Or will you take it with this case? We usually…

- It will.

What kind of paper would you like to wrap? Suitable here...

- It's coming.

- You with a ribbon or ...

- Turn. Just hurry up.

— On a card?

— No, everything is already here, without surrender.

- Do you want a branded package?

- Sisters, please!

But we haven't yet...

Paid off. I run for air. Apparently, after all, the “gift aunts” forgot something: they yell after them for a long time and piercingly, as if they were being cut, by electronic gates. They run all over the street. And here is the picture: a frantic priest in an unbuttoned coat, without a hat, is rushing towards the state border, his hair has come out from under the scarf, his eyes are crazy, all in bags and packages, he is running from the store, which is indecently loud and nervously roaring alarms. And the faces of honest Muscovites: to grab or cover up the runaway priest?

Can these faces be forgotten? Blessed Muscovites and guests of the capital!

Gift Torture

I always have adventures with shops, even if you don't go in. Normal person alive in the store. Some comrades simply fall into a commodity-mystical ecstasy, forget about wounds, bruises and fractures, so that you can’t keep up with them. The frail young ladies push forward like undercover sumo wrestlers, emaciated but not losing their grip. Ladies in the body soar above the hall, spinning as if in a dance, showing unexpected grace and the subtlest shades of feelings on a revived face.

The marketplace is invigorating. The market is rejuvenating. Today, shopping is even prescribed as an expensive and fashionable medicine. And don't be sorry! Would be a good person! Do you enjoy shopping? - well, fine! I rejoice with you. With approval. But also with envy - because it's not easy for me with the shops. Who to say: I'm ashamed to shop. I avoid with all my might. It happens! I’ll tell the psychoanalyst about everything, but for now, like this: if you want some “harmfulness” - cola or chips - look around - have the people dispersed? - you will take in more air and "dive" into the depths of the commodity den. The worst thing is at the checkout: for some reason, I always feel guilty in front of the saleswoman and others. I pass through the electronic gates with the conviction that they will certainly ring, and indeed they ring, villains! No, I don't steal. But, sometimes, it is very necessary to run into the store, especially on the eve of holidays, to choose gifts for friends, and this is not an easy task.

Giving gifts is the finest art. I would say that you can tell a lot about a person by the way hemakes gifts. Because a gift is a costly business, and the highest expenses are not money, but attention, thought, time, care - not so much for a gift, but for a loved one. A good gift, like expensive wine, takes time, love and patience. A real gift must be earned through suffering. This is a science that is studied for a long time and painstakingly, and the one who finds a teacher is happy.

From the world to the cat

As a result of many years of testing, scientists around the world have convincingly proved that cats in their natural state are not able to climb trees. They climb in a clear and obvious way, but nature did not tell them how to return to earth. Exhale relief! I always thought that our monastery cats were just desperate simulants and capricious howlers. And they just don't get it. In some ways they are disabled, and without the help of us, grasping and full-fledged, they can not do anything.

Or do it? Scientists all over the world, keenly peering into this world problem, unexpectedly noticed that the ability to climb down from trees is not an innate skill for a cat, but acquired through observation of a senior and experienced comrade. That is, those kittens that their mother taught to climb down correctly do not yell like crazy, but businesslike, albeit with disgust on their faces, go down the tree. Did I mention cats in vain?

We can't live without cats. The fact is that the art of giving gifts -skill, which is set intentionally and consciously. Most often in childhood. If a skill means something artificial, even unnatural in its own way, like the whole culture that curbs, straightens a person, deliberately infects with a human.

Simply put, the art of giving gifts must be taught methodically and patiently, without expecting that the child will suddenly suddenly burst into altruism.

It is natural for a person to be kind and sympathetic, but this is the natural kindness that is dormant in the very core of a human being, and if it is not awakened, and then supported by a serious and persistent effort, there is no other way for a person to “wake up”.

As a child, I “did not pick up this skill”, although there were many teachers. So we have to learn now, in old age. How did we give gifts in pioneer childhood? Does Natasha have a birthday? - You tear off the first book from the shelf, drag a postcard from your mother's table, sign it - you're done! It happened that the same books were given at the same time. But in childhood it is forgivable. Or not?

One of my Smolensk friends once admitted that he was very hurt if they gave him money for his birthday. This means that a person does not think about him at all, does not suffer from him, does not suffer, does not “bear” a gift. After all, a gift must be difficult, real work must be invested in it - joyful and loving. Such work that even the birthday boy had a hard time.

Once, for my birthday, my friends hung bundles with small trinkets wrapped in “elven” leaves for my favorite tree. For half an hour, patiently with numb hands, periodically laughing, I took off this wealth and thought: how much time did they spend on this wonderful tree? And how little I know about the depth of their feelings!

Unexpected Skull

I was tormented for several weeks, choosing a gift for a friend. Everything is not right! All wrong! And then quite by accident - a piggy bank skull! Real luck! Anyone will envy! And it lies so well on the arm - if you want to recite Shakespeare, if you want to read Pushkin with a tragic face. And in general - such a skull does not lie on the road and will always come in handy:

Dear philosophers,
Nice and useful item
To the eyes and heart, there is no word (Pushkin).

Wrapped in beautiful paper, tied with ribbons. He hid for a week, holding back with the last of his strength. And now - he handed it over in the radiance of his own eyes! Well, isn't it beauty?

I go in a day: no skull. And why hide it? Through delicate interrogation, I found out that my friend has been afraid of the dead since childhood, he simply cannot stand them. And I knew it, but for some reason I completely forgot. And it was so embarrassing. It turns out that I did not choose a gift for him, but for myself. This means that I was not attentive enough to my friend, did not accept with the utmost sympathy, did not notice what really pleases him, what worries him, what he dreams about. So much more to learn! A difficult science is gift science.

Giving gifts is a very difficult spiritual exercise. The first sign of success in this spiritual work is when, going into a store or a market, you instinctively, unconsciously, first of all think not about what will suit you, but about what will please your loved one. The next step: when the gift that you give to a friend pleases you no less than it pleases youin his hands.

Gift - signattention and respect. Gift -sign, that is, something more than the most tangible thing, not the thing in itself, but what it means, what it points to. Significant must be signified, symbolically fixed and fastened. How to designate love, friendship, care, respect - these intangible, but very important points without which life is not life?

A gift is a pointer, and as a pointer it must be intelligible, catchy, it mustto mean with all my might.

That's how much I love you!

This is how I see you!

That's how infinitely dear you are to me!

That's how seriously I take your dream!

We ask the baby: “Show how much you love your mother,” and a small bubble clumsily hugs mommy and gives a sonorous “bead”. Will these hugs warm, does this kiss have any real benefit? If love and friendship are measured by algebra, then you will lose the very subject of study. But here the kid puffs, coloring a postcard to mommy, or at the prompt of mom, waking up unusually early, cleans dad's shoes - this is his little present daddy on his birthday, and this tiny care for the baby himself reveals so much about his love for his father, about his tenderness for his mother.

Giving gifts is a spiritual exercise, an indicator of spiritual maturity.

Accepting gifts is a spiritual exercise and the subtlest indicator of spiritual age.

Should you give the right, useful? And if a person has everything, and nothing will surprise him, if he is too rich and he doesn’t want anything anymore? The gift is just as important to the giver as it is to the recipient. A real gift falls outside the logic of utility. The gift is rather a symbolic, spiritual gesture, it is more of a sign, a word, a cry of delight that cannot be restrained, because it is required by the abundance of the heart - "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."

The real reason for the gift, or so: the reason for the real gift is excess heart . If he is, then he needs help to turn into an object or a word or an act.

You can't hold your heart. The chained heart dries up.

Gift for Beloved

Christian ontology, like the theology of creation and redemption, is nothing but the doctrine of the circulation of gifts in nature. Our entire liturgy speaks of this, and how much truth and consolation is in the exclamation “Your from Yours, who brings you for everyone and for everything”! Our life is a cycle of gifts, and two important skills determine the maturity of a person - the ability to give and the art of receiving gifts. If you want to know how far you have come in the Christian faith, carefully and honestly look at how you give gifts and, no less important, how you know how to accept them and rejoice in gifts.

This cycle of gifts was set in motion by God's Love. Our life is a gift, more precisely, a whole mountain of gifts and gifts that we not only try on ourselves, but also give to others - friends, loved ones, children, God. Do we love God? Are we trying? And in what else is the measure of love manifested, if not in the art of giving?

At Christmas, everyone is waiting for their gift. And in the Church at Christmas Vespers they sing the very stichera from which, at times, our old choir director wept: “What shall we bring Thee, O Christ”? Everyone has a gift on this day - kids, parents, fathers. To the extent of love, there is also a gift. And so the author of the ancient stichera was thinking about what we will give God for Christmas?

What will I give God on His birthday?

Why does he need my gift? He has everything. But: “from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”, and the gift is born from the excess of love and friendship.

Christ called us His friends, He infected us with His love, He Himself is Love. He exists, which means that our love for Him and friendship is for real, not pretend. To make a gift to God is necessary, very necessary for me. But, oddly enough, it is very important for Him.

One day I heard a story about Mother Teresa. She was invited to visit New York. We were greeted with honors, seated in a luxury car and taken to a meeting with the mayor himself. On the way, a local nun told mother the latest rumors about a new terrible disease, so terrible and deadly that even the police, so brave, are afraid of them. They recently captured two villains, and they have this same illness - they are dying right before our eyes. The guards push lunch into their cell with a stick - everyone is so afraid to approach, and those poor things are lying, they can’t even reach food, go and die of hunger. There is such a panic, everyone is afraid of getting infected. Terrible disease! And they called it so terribly - AIDS.

But Mother Teresa is a man of action. Without lamentations and indignations, she immediately, at a meeting with the mayor, begs for the right to take care of sick criminals. She buys an apartment in New York, the government equips it to prison standards, prisoners are transported there, and Mother Teresa herself looks after them until their death.

When one of the journalists asked what inspired her to such a reckless act, Mother Teresa replied:

— I used to give expensive gifts to my Beloved.

"Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." From an excess of love, actions are performed.

Those who love God also have their own skill, brought up over the years of love and friendship - the habit of giving to the Beloved, Whom they see in poor children, in lonely old people, in sick prisoners.

Their love is unstoppable. It's all for Him, and He is the One Who sincerely and seriously rejoices in every gift.

What will I bring to Christ on His birthday? What will I bring to Him any other day of my life? Did Mother Teresa look at the calendar and give for anniversaries? She took every opportunity to let her love unfold without fear of being ridiculed and rejected.

If love is true, how can you pacify it?

If you truly love, how can you resist a gift?

We seem to have gone on a long journey, visiting countries and islands, but every day, remembering a friend, we send him postcards from exotic places. We are not elders or ascetics. Maybe not each of us is capable of a big deed, but just a little bit, to the extent of our undeveloped love, to send God our childishly homemade and clumsy postcards from unexpected and awkward good deeds...

Yes, who will hold us back?