Have you ever wondered what actually happens to a Christmas in October gift after you give it? Each check and online donation begins a journey that carries joy far beyond your church. Many churches have already collected and sent in their financial gifts. But the fundraiser doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s only the beginning! Let’s revisit the origins of Christmas in October and explore how your giving results in gifts of joy worldwide.
Christmas in October began in the first decade of the 20th century. At that time, the Women’s Home and Foreign Mission Society (WHFMS) sponsored and oversaw the missionary work in India. The WHFMS began coordinating the sending of “India Boxes” each fall. These shipments contained Christmas gifts and supplies for the missionaries working in India. Part of the enjoyment was opening the packages, which always contained a variety of things like clothing to sweet treats like English toffee. When World War II broke out, shipping to India became dangerous. But many WHFMS groups had already made the shift to sending cash gifts. By the 1970s, the effort had become known as Christmas in October and was benefiting our missionaries beyond India in several other countries. As the number of North American missionaries declined, ministry leaders on the mission fields were included as recipients. This project was called “Christmas in October” due to the time that was once required to send such gifts. For a gift to arrive in the mail by Christmas, it would need to be sent in October! Now, this is not case.
So, what happens when Christmas in October gifts are sent in? As our WHFMS groups, churches and individuals send in gifts for Christmas in October, they are collected and organized at our ACGC office. I then consult with our area directors, finance director and executive director to determine what financial gifts will be going where and what the amount of each gift will be.
During the month of November, we are busy making sure each Christmas in October gift gets to its intended recipient. Recipients include our active missionaries, retired missionaries and ministry leaders worldwide. Some gifts are remitted electronically, while others are sent as checks in the mail.
What’s done with Christmas in October gifts is as varied as the people who receive them. The Lord uses some gifts to meet an immediate need for an unpaid bill or unexpected expense. Some gifts are used to share the joy of Christmas with family members. A few church conferences around the world hold special Christmas parties for the pastors and their families.
In the month of December, we begin to hear news of Christmas in October gifts being received, and notes of “thank you” are sent to our offices. Throughout the month and on into the new year, international missions staff hear about how these gifts are used by their recipients. What a joy it is to hear of how your generosity affects those who receive Christmas in October gifts!
No matter how a Christmas in October gift is ultimately used, the joy of knowing Christ motivates our giving. To those who serve the worldwide mission of God’s church, Christmas in October gifts are a simple reflection of the wonderful gift of God’s Son. Thank you for your generosity.
One Response
Our family had always enjoyed sending Christmas in October gifts when that was possible. We knew many of the missionaries personally and would find out anything specific that they would like. Sending a monetary gift through ACGC isn’t as exciting as shopping to find something special; however, knowing that global ministry leaders continue to benefit from our efforts is just as rewarding. Thank you to everyone who is involved in this ministry.
A joyous Christmas to everyone and a blessed 2026!