The Beauty of The Festival of Gifts

By: Rachel Ippel-Redman

Yesterday, I had the privilege of helping with the Festival of Gifts shopping day for our community partners and I wanted to share that experience with you. Last year was the first time that I attended Christ Church Cranbrook’s Festival of Gifts service! As a newcomer to both CCC and the Episcopal church, I had no idea what to expect. As I watched the nativity story unfold in front of me, saw all of the youth engaged in the mystery of the season and watched as countless parishioners brought up an abundance of toys, I had the beginnings of an ‘Aha!’ Moment. However, it did feel a little like I missed something, that I’d skipped the last chapter of a story. 

That missing chapter finally revealed itself this year as I watched families and partners choose items that would soon brighten someone else’s Christmas morning. There’s something deeply grounding about seeing generosity move from the sanctuary to real hands and real homes.

In the middle of all the toys and winter essentials, a small table of thoughtful add-ons caught my eye — items meant to carry a memory long after the wrapping paper is gone, with wholesale personalized keychains offering a simple way for families to add a touch of meaning to their gifts.

Standing there, I realized the Festival isn’t just a moment in worship; it’s a story that continues in living rooms, backpacks, and tiny pockets across the community. It’s the final chapter I missed last year — the part where the giving becomes real.

The beauty of giving is often found in the quiet details — the small, intentional pieces that outlive the season itself. Watching families select gifts with real thought behind them reminded me that meaning doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting.

A carefully chosen trinket, a handwritten note, or even personalized 3D action figures nestled beside a simple toy can turn an ordinary present into a story someone carries well beyond Christmas morning. These little touches echo the heart behind the gesture, reminding the recipient that they were seen, remembered, and valued.

As I stood there, it became clear that these moments of generosity ripple far past the checkout line. They stretch into the year ahead, resurfacing whenever someone opens a drawer, zips a backpack, or glances at a shelf where a sentimental gift now lives. And in that way, the Festival becomes more than an annual event — it becomes a quiet companion woven into everyday life. Each thoughtful gift keeps the spirit of giving alive, long after the candles are blown out and the decorations are packed away.

Walking away from that table, I felt the rare satisfaction that comes from finally understanding something obvious yet long ignored: gifts aren’t meant to impress, they’re meant to linger. They should age gracefully, like well-worn traditions, becoming part of someone’s daily rhythm rather than a seasonal spectacle. That’s where intention quietly wins—whether it’s a modest keepsake chosen with care or something as unassuming as customizable keychains bulk orders, thoughtfully selected so each one tells a slightly different story. These aren’t grand gestures; they’re steady ones, rooted in the old truth that usefulness and meaning often walk hand in hand. And perhaps that’s the real gift—to offer something that doesn’t shout for attention, but patiently stays, reminding someone, long after the festivities fade, that they mattered enough to be remembered.

This year, as a member of the Mission and Outreach Committee, I had the opportunity to work on the Festival of Gifts. I had multiple conversations with many community partners; hearing the stories of need, the joy of service, and excitement for the upcoming season. My experience in the pews this past Sunday was changed by those conversations. Instead of just excitement about the level of generosity from our congregation and our ability to serve large numbers of children, I had all of those stories in my mind, looking forward to coming alongside these organizations.

I walked into the Guild Hall on Monday and had to catch my breath. The beautifully organized tables of thousands of gifts were a visual representation of the heart of our community; of our deep care for those in need and our demonstrative love of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Our CCC Team set up hospitality for our community partners, a sign in station with goodie bags for those who work so hard to make Christmas happen for those they serve, organized our DTE light bulbs, donned our sparkly Santa hats, took a deep breath and said a prayer – making ready to welcome our partners.

I’m still processing Monday morning, but I wanted to share a few small moments with you all:

• We had a fabulous fun team of volunteers who worked so hard to help take bin after bin after bag to meet the great need of our partners.
• The sheer volume of gifts not only in the Guild Hall, but in two of the Sunday School classrooms was awe-inspiring. 4,000 gifts is A LOT!
• Our community partners shared that this was the best selection of gifts they had ever experienced, to the point that many of them were experiencing feelings of overwhelming indecision!
• I loved being able to say: Please, take more! If your need is great, we can meet it!
• Many shoppers shared with me that their needs were much greater this year, but their regular giving had been down. But not here at CCC!
• In years past, the Oakland County Sheriff’s department did not shop with us, but this year they were given a call and we met their growing need of their community policing rounds. 

I am still having occasional waves of joy and thankfulness; truly this ministry is a beautiful one that demonstrates what this time of year means to me. Thank you to ALL for making this wonderful experience possible.

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