The wonder of Christmas was beautiful to me as a child. A special annual concert at church, both for kids and adult choirs. Meals around the tables of my relatives while us grandkids ran around oblivious to any weight of the holiday. There was the excitement of presents under the tree, of a special neighbour who kindly dressed up as Santa Claus every year and blessed my brother and I with gifts on Christmas Eve (a special stop on his way around the world, of course). Then there was the pinnacle of it all: the awe of Jesus’ birth.

This week of Advent is all about preparing – preparing to celebrate the Messiah who has come and who is coming! How are you preparing?

Buying Christmas presents can be overwhelming. There’s presents for family, friends, coworkers, sports teammates, kids, neighbours, charities, etc. Find out how to enjoy giving gifts this year without feeling worry and regret afterwards.