A Christmas overhaul is long overdue here.
Our problem is, we love buying gifts, wrapping gifts, and taking in the kids’ excitement Christmas morning. And so?
We’ve done this:
Overgifted. Big-time. {That wasn’t even all of it. Unfortunately.}
We’ve taught the kids with words it’s better to give than to receive.
To be fair, we’ve also taught them to give with our actions. But they wake each Christmas to another Get-Fest. Christmas morning becomes all about finding loads of gifts with their own name attached. And eating yummy food.
We read the story of Jesus’ birth together and they act out parts with our Little People Manger set. But they are giddy over the abundance of sparkly, tangible gifts they are ready to receive. Gifts that dazzle and fill their little minds with big plans. Gifts that leave little room for wonder over the greatest gift of all.
And it’s not only the children…we grown-ups are also easily amused by treasures we can hold. In some ways, we forget Jesus is the greatest gift, the answer, the hope.
Well friends, some things are changing up in here this year, and this overgifting issue is just one.
How can we truly live a meaningful Christmas?
My husband and I have talked about this for a few years, so this year, he suggested a new tradition. He loves new traditions.
In addition to reading scriptures and doing some crafts and activities to prepare for advent, we’re going to celebrate with 12 Days of Christmas, which have nothing to do with 9 ladies dancing or a partridge in a pear tree.
Our 12 Days of Christmas will be hands-on ways to give, serve, and love our neighbors, both near and far–as a family.
We want to give because our true love gave.
“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.” –C.S. Lewis
Later this week, I’ll share some ideas we’ve collected for 12 Days of Christmas {Giving}, and I’d love for you come back and join me. Until then, be not dismayed for our children. They’re still going to find a couple of gifts under the tree. 🙂
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Can’t wait to read about this!
I want to hear more- we struggle with the same dilema but have yet to decide on something that are sure of.