Okay I get asked this question this time of year and my first response is nothing. I had the same problem when I was teaching school. Parents would have their kids ask me what I wanted for Christmas.
Well Fr. Darren over at the Servant and Steward blog has some practical suggestions.
Fr. P.: Great ideas, who would’nt want tons of goodies, but realistically a no-no. I once heard that “Cash” is king. Should have been at the top of the list. If you want something special you’ll have to ask Santa.
I can only answer for my personal situation – as a priest in a big city I get approached often for handouts. The best gift I can receive is a $10 dollar gift card to a grocery store. These things are always handy for giving out to people, and I know they can only be redeemed for groceries (as opposed to booze or smokes).
Fr Greg
Fr. Greg,
The grocery store cards is a great idea! Living in a small town as I do we do not get many walk in’s I am sure it is different in the larger city.