A Different Kind of Christmas

For the last couple years my family has been trying to keep Christmas about the birth of Jesus and less about the gifts.  We typically accomplish this by giving practical gifts on Christmas (clothes, toothbrushes, books, etc) and the fun stuff on "Loot Day" - aka New Years Day.  A day our family uses to celebrate American materialism  ;-).

This year we got a little help.  The last couple days a stomach bug has been going through the house which has meant that any shopping we normally would have done (which to be honest is not much) didn't happen.  I was able to send hubby on a last minute run yesterday (he and my mom are the only ones who have not been hit), but it was for supplies for the sick ones (you know, ginger ale, 7-up, etc).

The only gifts that we had to open today were given by out-of-town family members and my parents.  They were obviously going to be primarily fun gifts, but we decided that under the circumstances that was ok.  Before we opened the gifts we discussed the reason for Christmas and the significance of gift giving at Christmas.  And my kids got it!  How happy was I?  Extremely. 

And to top it off... although my kids didn't get much, they were happy.  They realize the quantity of gifts isn't what matters.  It's the thought that matters.  And the most well-thought out gift imaginable is the gift of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas everyone!  God bless.

Keeping CHRIST in Christmas

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.

Not Much to Open

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.