For the last few years, my husband and I have been trying to make sure our kids understand why we celebrate Christmas. We've found it very difficult when we have to compete with all the gifts. What we've been wanting to do is keep Christmas rather low-key in the gifts department giving them just a few smaller gifts and then saving the big gifts for what we call "Loot Day" (which we will celebrate on New Year's Day). The idea behind Loot Day is to celebrate American commercialism (meaning let our kids still get gifts so they don't feel left out) while allowing us to keep Christmas about Jesus' birthday. It also means we can take advantage of after-Christmas sales. It's been very hard to pull this idea off because we've always been local to family who wanted to give gifts on Christmas.
Well, this year, we are not going to be near those family members, so we are going to try to separate Christmas and Loot Day. I've been trying to go through an advent book with the kids to help solidify the Biblical meanings of Christmas and all that surrounds it, but I admit it's not a habit I'm used to so I've missed a few days. I can happily say though that for the first time ever, my 5 year old daughter tells me that Christmas is about Jesus' birthday and not about getting presents.
We will still be giving gifts on Christmas; after all, Jesus was given gifts. If you look into why Jesus was given gold, frankincense, and myrrh we learn that these were necessity items. Therefore, my children will be receiving necessity items (clothes and maybe a couple books, but no toys) on Christmas. All the fun stuff will be given on Loot Day. (Note to family: Do not call on Christmas expecting them to have opened your "fun" gift. They will be opening any clothing items from family but no toys on Christmas.)
You may think we are crazy or you may love our idea. I just wanted to let you all know in advance so that you are not surprised when I don't post pictures till New Years.
I love this idea. We've been trying to help E not learn "Santa", but it is hard with commercials on tv and even cartoons. We've been doing some reading, her school is helping. I've floated the idea of a loot day concept, P isn't biting yet. So far, she has rejected the gift aspect of the holiday. She opens one or two and is done. Last year, I ended up unwrapping a couple of weeks later and just putting things into rotation. ~J
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like E doesn't have the greed issues most kids do. That's a good thing. Show P just how good the after Christmas sales are (sometimes better than pre-Christmas) and maybe he'll change his mind. Oh, and less crowds too.
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