Hey, friends!! Okay, this post isn't really about these pics, but I just had to add a few of my precious smiling boys from Brock's pre-K pumpkin day (I didn't catch Ansley that day)! Oh, their smiles light up my days, and I pray their faces bring joy to others and are a reflection and overflow of the joy they have in their hearts! I love this line from Point of Grace's song "All the World"~~I want the world to see how wonderful You are upon my face.
So, on to what I need your help on...REALLY, I neeeeeed and want all your ideas and input! Please comment, email, facebook me or WHATEVER to share your great tips, that I KNOW you have!! So, I am not a naturally organized, structured, streamlined person. I have become much more that way over the years...by necessity with children and a family to manage. I feel God has led me to certain books, people, etc. that have influenced my thinking and helped me to grow in these areas...I mentioned us SIMPLIFYING in an earlier post...we are tossing around ideas to help us simplify in many areas. One of these is the HOLIDAYS!!
The past few years, I have been encouraged by a group of ladies who purposed to get their Christmas shopping finished (along with cards, decorating, etc) by December 1 in order to enjoy the true meaning of the season. I haven't done it every year, but when I have, it has been so nice! However, I still feel we have overdone it in many ways and fallen into the trap of an over-commercialized Christmas! Don't get me wrong, I am a gift giver by nature, so I love to give lots of gifts and love to try to find things people will really enjoy. The reality of the needs of this world have just become so real to me over the last year, that I am trying to figure out ways to streamline, while making sure everyone has a wonderful Christmas!
I am determined to purchase as many gifts as I can from people trying to raise money for their adoptions and for things that will support a cause, rather than doling it out to Amazon, Target and Wal-Mart...I'm sure these stores will still get their fair share of my Christmas budget! I am looking into places our family can serve; I think that will bring so much meaning for our kids and us. The main thing I'd love ideas on is simplifying for the KIDS! I feel like each year, I set out to do this, and I end up buying lots of little stuff so they'll have tons of presents to open. Most of it doesn't get used or played with. I'm sure I'm not the only one who does this:)!! I heard of one family in which each child gets 3 gifts---because the wise men brought three gifts! I love this idea; I guess I'm just wondering if I can stick to it! I know it's up to Ben and me to set the tone! I'm just needing some moral support here...if you have done anything like this, please let me know how it's turned out. I'd LOVE your thoughts!!
3 comments:
Karen,
I happened upon your blog from Jeanine's blog. My husband and I have had numerous discussions concerning Christmas and gift giving, especially in regard to our child(ren). Currently we only have one little girl (Eleanor) who is 14 months. We decided last year to only purchase one gift for our child and plan to do so again this year. She receives so many gifts from everyone else it really would be unnecessary to buy her numerous gifts. We really like the idea of doing 3 gifts as she gets older and then also giving her a set amount of money to buy a gift for a child in need or to donate to a charity or mission organization. I am not sure this helps at all but thought I would share my thoughts anyway.
Gloria
danielandgloria.blogspot.com
As Silas is our 1st, we haven't officially started a tradition yet; however, right now we are planning to do the 3 gift idea(1.something they need(clothes,etc..) 2. something they want 3.something educational). My sister also has her children go through their toys at the beginning of December and give ones they no longer play with to other children in need. I think we'll try to incorporate this too in order to teach the spirit of giving.
Karen, In our family my children make a list of what they want for Christmas. They know this is a wish list and does not mean they will get whats on it.We have always talked about all the children in the world and they have to think of them too and not be selfish with a long list. They have been told that Santa will only bring what Mom and Dad say is ok. We always talk about the cost of things and that sometimes its not practical as a gift,but if they want to ask for gift cards then maybe they will have enough money to buy themselves. Sometimes they save untill after birthday and purchase the item then.Items from this list are also given to grandparents and they only pick from those items so the kids get what they asked for and we dont end up with alot of unplayed with things. We do not exchange with their cousins(4 of them), this started 11 years ago when we moved away and my siblings and I determined that buying for each others children was an extra expense and that money could be used for our own family, others or saved. The kids dont remember who gives them what in the end. When we have been together with my siblings we have gotten a small family gift, game or movie. We dont have a set number of items for our kids, but usually after grandparents and their one single Uncle who wants to buy for them,there isnt alot left. Usually 3 or 4 gifts from Mom and Dad and Santa brings about the same.These gifts include clothes,shoes, books, movies, music so not a big expense and some things we would have bought them because they needed it.
Post a Comment
I really appreciate your comments...thanks for stopping by!