Looking back on Christmases past I note a few things. One, a little chaos. Two, and little less heart in gift giving. Three, a desire for the holiday to be over.
Not to say this year isn't without its chaos and irritable moments, but it has been a little less stressful. I've learned a very important lesson. It's ok to let.it.GO! I haven't sent out Christmas cards for two years now. Does it bother me a little? Yes. Enough to rush out and throw together cards and spends lots of money? Umm, no. I'm good.
I begin shopping early. Not for the big, special requests, but early enough to get little things here and there. My husband and I have made it a point to not overdo it on Christmas for our kids and for others. We do get our kids one of their big "Santa" requests along with several other nice, fun gifts. They've never complained and we never have too much junk to fit into their rooms. I find that getting purposeful gifts means more to the kids and makes me less twitchy with toy organization. By purposeful gifts, I mean games the family can play, books the kids can read, toys that require mind and imagination (not batteries). One of the kids favorite past time activities is reading. For the past couple years, I have gotten the kids a gift bag full of books. Many of the books are purchased second hand (in like new condition). The kids LOVE them! Last year the books were paired with a cozy blanket. This year, they will be given along with a Mickey/Minnie coffee mug. We went to Disney World in May for the first time as a family and the mugs will serve as a little reminder of our trip.
For gifts beyond our kids, well, we just give to very few. Does that make us Grinch-ish?? Well, I hope not. We find that we could get really bogged down in the "have to" of Christmas. We choose not to. We choose to give to those in need as we can, we choose to give to our parents and nephews, we give to teachers, and a close friend or two. It mainstreams our budget, and we're giving from the heart, not just a desire to keep up with the others.
And, can I be honest? My kids have been a little selfish when talking about gifts for themselves and showing jealousy when the other is talking about a gift they want to receive. It's been driving me bonkers. They are both influenced by kids at school and I often find that it greatly affects their behavior. I am thankful that they are home for Christmas break. My sweet kids who will play games together should be making an appearance any day now.
Merry Christmas friends. I pray you see the spirit of Christmas, I pray you embody the spirit of Christmas and share it with those around you.
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