The Gifts We Don’t Wrap
Christmas invites us into a season of kindness and giving. In this issue, we reflect on the gifts we each carry within us—our personal values—and find out how these can be generously shared, not only during the festive season but all year round.
When it comes to Christmas gifts, we all have our preferences. What kind of gift-giver are you? Perhaps you are intentional and organised—someone who buys and wraps everything on your list by the beginning of December. Or maybe you are more spontaneous and playful, finding inspiration wandering shops, thrift stores or online retailers for that perfect surprise.
Do you relish the anticipation of seeing a gift for you nestled under the tree, or are you unable to resist the temptation to shake it hoping for a clue about what’s inside? And then there’s the unwrapping—do you gently peel back the tape or ribbon with care, folding paper neatly for reuse, or dive in with delight, tearing and sending paper flying around the room like festive confetti? However we celebrate, the rituals around Christmas gift-giving are as personal and varied as we are.
Beyond the wrapping paper, bows and tags there is another set of gifts that seldom come adorned with trimmings. These are the gifts we may not notice at first, yet they often leave the deepest imprint. They are not limited to the festive season, nor do they sit beneath a tree. These are the gifts we do not wrap but they are among the most meaningful we carry. These gifts are called our personal values.
What matters most?
Our values are deeply held beliefs that guide our thoughts and actions, and support us to make decisions and navigate challenges. God created each of us uniquely, with different personalities, passions and perspectives. It’s no surprise then, that we each hold a unique set of values.
Often our values are shaped by our early experiences, families of origin, church communities and the people we admire. As we grow, some of these inherited values may remain with us, while others shift or expand to reflect our personal experiences and aspirations. Examples of values might include belonging, forgiveness, curiosity, adventure, respect, family, simplicity, humour or freedom—to name just a few.
As Christians, we can also look to Scripture to understand the values that reflect the heart of God.
The Bible reveals a Creator who values love, grace, mercy, justice, humility, peace, truth and hope. Our personal values often reflect God’s character and our individuality.
Christmas is a season that invites us to reflect not only on the gift of Christ but also how we might live in response to that gift. It’s a time when our personal values often come to the surface through the way we spend our time and energy, the people we prioritise and the traditions we keep. This Christmas, SALT invited five team members from The Salvation Army in our territory to share their personal values and how they live these out during the festive season.
Wendy Lobb, Head of Transformational Gifts
Peace can feel like a rare commodity at Christmas. With all the twinkling lights, noise and busyness, it’s easy to feel swept up in the rush and lose sight of stillness. But for me, peace isn’t just the absence of noise or chaos, it’s about being calm at my centre. As I have more birthdays, I’m learning how important it is to be deeply intentional about inviting peace into my life. It’s a posture I have to choose—one that asks me to slow down, make space for reflection and prayer and respond to others with calm and kindness.
I have five beautiful grandchildren and I’ve had the privilege of holding each of them as newborns—wondering about the lives they’ll lead and all the things I wish and pray for them. At its heart, the Christmas story is about a baby and the hope He brought to the world. The hope of a saviour—our ultimate hope—has held me throughout my life. For me, the hope of Christmas isn’t just a word or a story. It’s a lived experience that serves me all my days.
I just love the feeling of thankfulness! But I’ve learned that gratitude, like peace, isn’t always easy. It takes practice and a bit of discipline. Years ago, I heard that naming three things you are grateful for each day can actually rewire your brain. I’ve found it to be true.
At Christmas, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to give my time, talent and energy. I serve as the bandmaster at my local corps in Dunedin. I know that hearing the band play Christmas carols can be deeply moving for many and it opens hearts and reminds people of the hope and love at the heart of the season.
Filomena Tukuwasa, Personal Assistant to Divisional Commander and Secretary for Divisional Headquarters Management, Fiji
Connection is everything for me. I love starting each day by spending time with God. When I focus on that relationship, it stays with me throughout the day. I know that this time with God helps me connect and form positive relationships with my colleagues at work.
I believe that even if you do not have a lot of things, having your family and friends around you is the most precious gift that anyone could receive for Christmas. This year, I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my daughter, my mother and my sisters.
It’s important to me to be kind to others—you never know what they have been through in their day or what they are carrying in their lives. In the past, Christmas has sometimes felt stressful with all the end-of-year jobs to do. This year, I’m choosing to be kind to myself by focusing on building relationships with my family and letting go of that pressure.
I always look for ways to bring joy into my day. At work, that means laughing and sharing jokes on our breaks with my colleagues. At Christmas, I find joy in remembering Jesus—the One who brought joy to the world. No matter what I’m going through, I try to keep joy in my heart.
Alastair Kendrew, Director Project Management Office, Territorial Headquarters
For me, faith is about following Jesus by spending time with Him, getting to know Him more deeply, and inviting His guidance into my everyday life. At Christmas, I like to be intentional about that. I usually work through a couple of Bible reading plans focused on the Christmas story. We talk about Christmas as a family, and my men’s group works through a Christmas-themed Bible study together.
Family time is also a big part of Christmas for for us. Each year we alternate which side of the family we spend the day with, but no matter where we are, we make it a priority to be together and to enjoy each other’s company. We make the food special and love giving gifts to one another. When we’re in Wellington, one of our favourite traditions is attending the Christmas Eve service at our local corps. Our family has been involved in this service for many years and it’s become a meaningful way for us to connect with others and celebrate together.
Integrity has always been a core value for me—doing the right thing, being honest and giving my best in all I do. When our children were young, I wanted them to enjoy the enchantment of Christmas without compromising honesty. So instead of telling them Santa was real, we’d leave out cookies and milk with a playful ‘let’s see what happens’ approach. Now that they’re grown, I still slip in a gift or two labelled ‘from Santa’—which everyone knows is code for Dad having a bit of fun.
Kevin David, Campaign Coordinator, Supporter Engagement and Fundraising, Territorial Headquarters
At Christmas I always head home to Auckland. As a family, we attend a beautiful Christmas Eve service and often a few others in the lead up to Christmas Day. There is something special about being in a room full of people, knowing that someone might be lonely or without family. It reminds me how important it is to be open-hearted. This time of the year has always been a significant celebration for my family. We connect by spending time together and eating our way into Boxing Day.
Harmony is important to me. I’m intentional about finding little pockets of stillness in my life—just one day or morning a week where I pause, reflect and check in with myself. It clears my head, helps me feel more organised and better prepared to handle life’s ups and downs. Christmas can sometimes feel like a race to the finish line. But I try to slow down, finish what I can, and be present in the moment, rather than ploughing through and feeling stressed.
I believe in the power of honest conversations—sharing challenges, listening deeply and asking for what we need.
I know that sometimes naming and acknowledging how I feel can help me move through it. Christmas can be a wonderful time to lean into vulnerability—a reminder to be gentle and kind with ourselves and with others.
Vivienne Hill, Communications Manager, Territorial Headquarters
God is number one for me, especially at Christmas. It’s not just a festive season; it’s a time to pause and celebrate the birth of Jesus, the hope of the world.
I enjoy genuine connection—it’s at the heart of how I share my life. I’ve learned that true connection happens when we meet people where they are and embrace who they are without expectations. Connection shines brightest when we’re laughing over burnt puddings, tangled lights and celebrating the perfectly imperfect tree we decorated together.
Christmas in our family is more than a day—it’s a season of joy, generosity and togetherness. We start early and linger long, enjoying special times. I treasure the traditions passed down to us, which we have now passed down to our children and grandchildren, creating memories that will hopefully last many lifetimes.
Every year, Christmas gatherings are intergenerational, and this has been such a gift. I love the buzz of all ages together, sharing delicious food, playing silly games and enjoying the warmth of an unhurried day with those I love. Everyone has a part to play and it’s that shared effort that makes the celebrations feel so special. These moments are opportunities to live out our faith in genuine ways.
