Why Sacramental Gifts Can Feel Stressful
Sacramental gifts can feel expensive and confusing. Whose purchasing the Bible, Rosary etc. are frequently asked questions. Is anyone getting a crucifix or do they already have one? What is the kid going to do with this prayer card? Should I give him a $100 check? It feels complicated and stressful. I think that is because we are searching for an outward sign to communicate to those receiving the sacraments that what they are doing is special, really, really special and we want to say that with a meaningful item of remembrance.
A Last-Minute Plan for First Reconciliation
I was running up against the clock and an empty wallet when the day of my son, Peter’s, reconciliation arrived. We suddenly had to make a back up date for him so that’s my excuse. Anyway, I mustered up a couple of hours to prepare for it, as moms must do, and create a meaningful handmade gift.
The first thing I did was go to the garden where I was blessed to find 5 beautiful red roses for my son who always picks his mom flowers even when they are weeds. I cleared off the dining room table, found a whitish table cloth and placed the roses in a small vase.
The Perfect Handmade Gift
Then, although my husband was working from home, I went into his office looking for a small unused notebook. I found the perfect thing. It was hand sized, blue, with a back inner pocket, an elastic exterior string, a ribbon page marker and even a little elastic bit for a pen. This was nothing short of Divine Providence.
I wanted to make him a notebook that he could take to confession, that contained the prayers, steps, and examination guides to help him feel confident and prepared. I printed out a beautiful handout full of almost everything I needed. A good friend had used it for their children’s preparation. I cut it up and got to work pasting, taping, and stickering. I had fortuitously bought a large back of lovely Jesus stickers off of the internet for Easter and added them to the pages.
A Different Kind of Meaningful Gift
I had one more trick up my sleeve for a gift for my son. It was a bit unconventional but I knew he would love it. I had promised him a year ago I would put it in a beautiful painting he made of starry night in a frame. Another act of providence, I had newly acquired some frames and had an extra one that fit the painting exactly. I wrapped it up and tied a bow, and wrote a letter about him as God’s work of art.
His older sister was jealous, as older sisters can be that I hadn’t made her one of those notebooks. Little Peter sat in the confession line with his book open, jumping up and down with excitement, and confidence. Saying “I get to go to confession,hahahaha.” Many times he had come with us and waited in the long confession lines but on the sidelines never to go in. But not that day. It was his time. It was his day to meet Jesus in the confessional. What a beautiful day!
Here is a picture of Peter shortly after his first confession. It speaks volumes.
Afterwards Peter got to choose his restaurant of choice. He decided, of all places, to go to McDonalds so he could get the new Mario movie toy and chicken nuggets. We all practiced restraint in our disappointment of his choice since today was his day. When we returned home he opened that little painting and he felt seen, heard, and loved as he sat at the table with his fresh flowers.
Thanks for thinking about your little person and their preparation. Thank you for getting them prepared for such a great day! I hope the Holy Spirit and Divine Providence help you find a meaningful handmade gift that’s right for them.
