Last Minute Gifts

Spring is here, and I find that there are many reasons for celebrating “new life”. Of course the main holiday we celebrate is Easter. But it is also the season for celebrating confirmations, and if you are Catholic, First Communion. And of course, there are always baptisms.

As for Easter, for many, the holiday means much more than bunnies and jelly beans. I have always liked to include something in my children’s baskets that reminds them of the real reason we celebrate Easter. Some of the ideas I have had in the past are devotional bibles that encourage journaling and reflective thought, a cross necklace to be worn with the Easter dress, and books that tell the Easter story.

Confirmation celebrations are also common this time of year. Different churches choose different ages to educate their youth about their faith, but generally the confirmation candidates are in their teens. At this age, students have more choice in how they spend their time, and the fact that they spend some of their precious free time learning more about their faith should definitely be celebrated and recognized. I remember receiving a bible for my confirmation, and I treasure that bible still today. Today one can find many religious gift items targeted toward teens including funky bible covers, jewelry, and even computer programs.

My family is Catholic, so spring is a time to celebrate First Communion. One of my daughters has celebrated her first communion, and received many lovely gifts. She received a cross necklace and a bracelet with a prayer box pendent (the prayer box pendant is a miniature, ornate box with a lid in which you can write down your prayers and place them in the box) to wear with her pretty white dress. She also received a lovely rosary and a prayer book that she loves. A family friend had their young son celebrate his First Communion this spring. We found for him some pocket prayer rocks. They are small pewter stones with bible verses or prayers engraved on them. He can place these in his pocket for a little reminder that God is always with him.

Baptisms are another time to celebrate the presence of God in our lives. Some of the gifts my children received that have remained in favor are children’s bibles or books that include bible stories or prayers. Other gifts that are treasured are personalized or engraved items such as crosses, piggy banks and bonnets or blankets that were worn during the ceremony.

In this season of spring, I hope you have the opportunity to celebrate “new life” and the presence of God in your life.