"Christmas seems to have lost it's luster as there's no more waiting until Christmas for that special gift. Everyone just goes to get what they want, when they want it."
~Salli~
We have found this to be true so much over the past several years. Everyone has so much "stuff," and Christmas gift purchases seems to be even more difficult. The amount spent on Christmas gift purchases seem to have doubled, at least. Honestly, how much is too much?! Families have grown, the young people are growing, and insane amount of stuff everyone has is growing too. So, this year, our family is making some changes. We are one of the many families, that just have too much already. Our kids have more than enough toys and we also have more than enough stuff!
We are going to a four gift Christmas(not including the few Santa leaves). Since we have held Santa to bare minimums all along, the majority of gifts the kids have always gotten come from us and family. Our four gift Christmas is not only sensible but also serves to remind us the true reason for the season.
Our Four Gift Christmas:
Gift Column #1 - A gift that is Wanted. Maybe a special toy, special book, or game.
Gift Column #2 - A gift that is Needed. This is important for teaching the difference between wanting and needing! For us, this will be something like clothes, shoes, outdoor wear, etc.
Gift Column #3 - A gift that you Wear. This will also include clothes, socks, etc.
Gift Column #4 - A gift that you Read. Since we teach our kids that reading is an important part of life, this is a gift that the kids will treasure in their personal libraries.
We also stick to a very strict budget. We do not spend more than $100 per person(includes Santa). As we do tend to buy things throughout the year, there is no reason to break the bank once a year for something that the kids will play with/use for a few months and be tired of.
We have spent a lot of time talking about how to handle the out of control wants that have come from television ads, and seeing what others have. We are sincerely trying to teach our kids the value of true friends, the value of money, and not keeping up with everyone else. Our kids don't go without, actually they have everything they need and most of what they want. However, there are certain toys I've put a halt to due to their lack of decency and video games are kept to a bare minimum! We prefer high quality as opposed to high quantity.
The past few years we have spent a lot of time focusing on helping others who are less fortunate. We have done some volunteering at our food pantry, we have donated food, gloves, hats, scarves, and purchased toys/clothes from the angel tree in our town. We have what we need, and it's important to me that our kids learn how amazing it feels to help others that don't.
We received a special gift when we moved to our farm last December. A neighbor, came to our house to drop off a "neighbor gift." I hadn't seen this done since I was kid, and I honestly didn't know anyone was still this selfless to do. The neighbors husband and son, went out delivering their neighbor gifts to each of our local neighbors. It was a plate filled with a variety of cookies. Something so simple, yet made from the heart, meant so much to me. We have 12 local neighbors within about a 10 mile radius of us. This year, it is my goal to do something similar for our neighbors. I can't tell you the profound effect this had on me. It was my real reminder of what it means, not only to be a good neighbor, but also what the season is truly about. Yes, I believe that we are to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but also to be good to mankind. To bring a little light to others.
Our family, on both sides, have grown tremendously over the past several years. We have spent a lot of money to purchase gifts for most of them. However, we won't be doing that this year. This year, it is our goal to make a special gift, that will be made with love for each of them. We try not to ask for much, as we already have so much. Many times, we'd just ask that those wanting to give to us, just use it for themselves or make a donation to help someone else.
I know we are just now to October but Christmas shopping begins earlier and earlier every year. I hope that our families will follow in our thoughts and save themselves some debt this year. Christmas for us, is most importantly spent with those we love. The best gifts we could get would be to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with our loved ones.
~Salli~
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