The Christmas extravaganza has begun.
Is it just me, or does it seem that the holiday season gets pushed out earlier and earlier each year? I swear, this year I saw Christmas decorations when I went to get my daughter's Halloween costumes!! Does that not seem like a bit much to you all?
Around this time every year, I start making a list of items that look like they would make good gifts. After making the list, I start doing the research and checking out the customer reviews on the products that I have chosen. If you are at all like us, we spend way too much money on all of these Christmas gifts to be flushing it down the toilet on defective products.
After making the list and checking it twice
, I then go out and shop for the items that made the cut. Usually, this list is rather long; but this year I’ve decided to change the way we do Christmas. I mean seriously, if baby Jesus only got three gifts – and He is the reason for the season – can someone explain why we lavish our children with so many gifts and toys that they couldn’t possibly appreciate them all?
Nine times out of ten, only three out of the tons of gifts that they receive will get played with on a regular basis. The remaining items get tossed to the back of a closet, bottom of a toy box, or stuffed under a bed until an unsuspecting parental figure comes along to clean the room. And I’m sure that we all know what happens next in this little scenario and so, I digress…
This years Christmas shopping was done with my newest philosophy in mind: New House…New Rules
There were scores of circumstances surrounding our recent move and there were many talks between myself and God as to whether or not this was the right thing for my family. I am completely at peace with the decision that we made because, for once, I feel like I listened to His voice and let Him guide me to where He wants us to be. As a show of gratitude, I resolved to make more of an effort to become a stronger Christian role model for my family. What better way to show the sincerity of my dedication than to bring the Christmas season back to what it is really all about?!?!
This year, instead of making Christmas all about the children – which is not a bad thing, mind you – I am determined to make it more about Him. My children will each receive three gifts – one representing each gift given by the three wise men – and one Santa Claus item.
In changing the way that we celebrate this joyous occasion, it is my hope that my children will grow up to understand the true meaning of Christmas as opposed to the commercialization of what it has become. And, if I’m being completely honest, that my pocketbook will not be stretched so thin each year, which is very stressful - and the older they get, the more stretching ‘said’ pocketbook must do. UGH! It’s a never ending, vicious, cycle.
So, now that I’ve shared my story with you, I’m curious….How do you and your loved ones choose to celebrate the Christmas Holiday’s? Do you lavish them with gifts, or do you limit the amount of gifts they receive?
I would love to hear your thoughts about this and please don’t be shy; I don’t think that there are any wrong answers here. However you and your family celebrate is the right way for you! :)
Around this time every year, I start making a list of items that look like they would make good gifts. After making the list, I start doing the research and checking out the customer reviews on the products that I have chosen. If you are at all like us, we spend way too much money on all of these Christmas gifts to be flushing it down the toilet on defective products.
After making the list and checking it twice
, I then go out and shop for the items that made the cut. Usually, this list is rather long; but this year I’ve decided to change the way we do Christmas. I mean seriously, if baby Jesus only got three gifts – and He is the reason for the season – can someone explain why we lavish our children with so many gifts and toys that they couldn’t possibly appreciate them all?Nine times out of ten, only three out of the tons of gifts that they receive will get played with on a regular basis. The remaining items get tossed to the back of a closet, bottom of a toy box, or stuffed under a bed until an unsuspecting parental figure comes along to clean the room. And I’m sure that we all know what happens next in this little scenario and so, I digress…
This years Christmas shopping was done with my newest philosophy in mind: New House…New Rules
There were scores of circumstances surrounding our recent move and there were many talks between myself and God as to whether or not this was the right thing for my family. I am completely at peace with the decision that we made because, for once, I feel like I listened to His voice and let Him guide me to where He wants us to be. As a show of gratitude, I resolved to make more of an effort to become a stronger Christian role model for my family. What better way to show the sincerity of my dedication than to bring the Christmas season back to what it is really all about?!?!
This year, instead of making Christmas all about the children – which is not a bad thing, mind you – I am determined to make it more about Him. My children will each receive three gifts – one representing each gift given by the three wise men – and one Santa Claus item.
In changing the way that we celebrate this joyous occasion, it is my hope that my children will grow up to understand the true meaning of Christmas as opposed to the commercialization of what it has become. And, if I’m being completely honest, that my pocketbook will not be stretched so thin each year, which is very stressful - and the older they get, the more stretching ‘said’ pocketbook must do. UGH! It’s a never ending, vicious, cycle.
So, now that I’ve shared my story with you, I’m curious….How do you and your loved ones choose to celebrate the Christmas Holiday’s? Do you lavish them with gifts, or do you limit the amount of gifts they receive?
I would love to hear your thoughts about this and please don’t be shy; I don’t think that there are any wrong answers here. However you and your family celebrate is the right way for you! :)
