Some of you have been living ChristmasChange for years. This page is devoted to those who are new to the concept of spending less at Christmas so that more can be given to those in need.

As you process ChristmasChange within your own family, please understand that there are some that need to receive presents. To some, these presents are a token of appreciation. Be thoughtful and mindful of those people. ChristmasChange is about restoring the magic and wonder to the birth story of Jesus. It's about living the reason for his birth. Live ChristmasChange in a way that restores wonder, not in a way that brings guilt, disappointment, or condemnation to your family or faith community.

We have offered some practical steps below so that you can grow in your ChristmasChange giving. As you walk through these steps, note that any cut in material giving or spending should be matched with a creative or relational gift. In other words, if you purchase one less material gift for a family member, create a gift to take its place. It may be as simple as writing a letter, or taking an extra day off to spend time with your family prior to the Christmas holiday. It may be as complex and time consuming as creating an original work of art. The only limits are those of your imagination.


  • Calculate the amount you typically spend on Christmas. Give 10% of that amount to the charity of your choice.


  • Spend 10% less than your typical Christmas budget. Give that 10% to the charity of your choice. Every family member gives one less present than usual.


  • Spend 25% less than your typical Christmas budget. Give that 25% to the charity of your choice.


  • Spend 50% less than your typical Christmas budget. Give that 50% to the charity of your choice.


  • Go above and beyond a 50% reduction in Christmas spending and give the amount to the charity of your choice.

These steps are intended to challenge you to increase your ChristmasChange giving. Each family will walk through these steps differently. Some families may start on Step 3. Some families may stop at Step 2 and continue using it as their own Christmas tradition. Some families may take a year-by-year approach. Whether you use these steps or create your own, talk with your family about how you can live ChristmasChange.