As we approach Christmas this year I've been trying to focus on the real meaning of Christmas with my kids. We have never celebrated Santa Clause (we're evil I know). That said, we have told our kids that there was a man named Nicolas years and years ago (I just found out how long ago - I had no idea he lived that long ago) who was known for leaving gifts for the underprivileged.
I am happy to say that when asked, both of my children now respond that Christmas is Jesus' birthday. It warms my heart every time when they tell me why that is so special. They now understand that we give gifts as a symbol of the ultimate gift we were given by Jesus coming to earth in the form of a baby and then 30 or so years later dying on the cross.
This year I have also been reflecting on how our current living situation has made it so that gifts this year for our kids are more in line with things to do (trips to fun places) and not things to play with. I have felt a bit guilty about it to be honest until I just realized as I was writing this, that Jesus was given 3 gifts from the wisemen.
Think about kids in this generation being given only 3 gifts. There would be a revolt! I think this year we are going to focus on the fact that the "stuff" doesn't matter. Does that mean that my kids will be receiving no "stuff"? No. It means that my kids are going to learn that we give them "stuff" because we love them (not because they deserve it as kids are told with Santa Clause), but we also don't go overboard... because we love them.
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