3 S's to Maintain a Sane Holiday Season
Whether you'd like to admit it or not, the holiday season is upon us! I used to be 'one of those' people that refused to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. And, although, I still appreciate setting time aside to celebrate each holiday, I realize, more than ever, how each coincides with the other. If you strip down the commercialized versions that so many people celebrate this day in age, it really can be summarized in two simple words: THANKS and GIVING.
We thank God for the blessings He bestows upon us. And we give because God's only Son was given to us, so we may have eternal life if we believe in Him.
As I began to make my gift lists this year, I have found myself in a mental wrestling match. If I'm honest with myself, I love giving. There is no greater joy than to see those I love open a present and truly enjoy a gift I've given them. Even in Luke 11, Jesus talks about how even evil people will give good gifts to their children. So, this desire to give, meshed with today's commercialism, makes me crave to bless my children with all kinds of amazing gifts.
And yet, I know, excessive giving won't mold my children into the grateful individuals I desire them to become. In reality, I want their joy and happiness to come from fulfillment in relationships with people and Jesus, because that is what really matters.
As I reflected on the focus I want to portray to my children this Christmas season, I felt led to share my ideas.
Simplify: This year we decided to put the 3 gift rule into practice. Jesus received 3 gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. So, my husband and I will be giving each of our children 3 gifts: a want, a need, and something to read. (Plus, a few stocking stuffers!) We learned a few gifts are much more appreciated than a ton! Also, instead of raising our gift budget like we've done the past several years, we are actually lowering our expense per child. Call me cheap or mean, but we are only going to spend $75 on each child this year. I've discovered this awesome Facebook page that sends me alerts on all kinds of sales. Already this month, I've bought American Girl doll clothing for $6 and $50+ gifts for $20. My main warning is to have your gift list and stick to it, otherwise this will serve as a temptation to buy just because it's cheap!
Savor: Choose family outings and traditions that add meaning (not stress!) to your lives. Last year, our family attended a local fundraiser called "Journey to Bethlehem". We walked through dark woods, hearing and seeing the Christmas story along the way. We felt the intensity of Joseph and Mary struggling to find a room, we witnessed the awe of the shepherds hearing the angels sing as we sat around roaring campfires, and we were in awe of seeing baby Jesus in the manger. This scene moves me to tears every time.
We thank God for the blessings He bestows upon us. And we give because God's only Son was given to us, so we may have eternal life if we believe in Him.
As I began to make my gift lists this year, I have found myself in a mental wrestling match. If I'm honest with myself, I love giving. There is no greater joy than to see those I love open a present and truly enjoy a gift I've given them. Even in Luke 11, Jesus talks about how even evil people will give good gifts to their children. So, this desire to give, meshed with today's commercialism, makes me crave to bless my children with all kinds of amazing gifts.
And yet, I know, excessive giving won't mold my children into the grateful individuals I desire them to become. In reality, I want their joy and happiness to come from fulfillment in relationships with people and Jesus, because that is what really matters.
As I reflected on the focus I want to portray to my children this Christmas season, I felt led to share my ideas.
Simplify: This year we decided to put the 3 gift rule into practice. Jesus received 3 gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. So, my husband and I will be giving each of our children 3 gifts: a want, a need, and something to read. (Plus, a few stocking stuffers!) We learned a few gifts are much more appreciated than a ton! Also, instead of raising our gift budget like we've done the past several years, we are actually lowering our expense per child. Call me cheap or mean, but we are only going to spend $75 on each child this year. I've discovered this awesome Facebook page that sends me alerts on all kinds of sales. Already this month, I've bought American Girl doll clothing for $6 and $50+ gifts for $20. My main warning is to have your gift list and stick to it, otherwise this will serve as a temptation to buy just because it's cheap!
Savor: Choose family outings and traditions that add meaning (not stress!) to your lives. Last year, our family attended a local fundraiser called "Journey to Bethlehem". We walked through dark woods, hearing and seeing the Christmas story along the way. We felt the intensity of Joseph and Mary struggling to find a room, we witnessed the awe of the shepherds hearing the angels sing as we sat around roaring campfires, and we were in awe of seeing baby Jesus in the manger. This scene moves me to tears every time.
Savor the cookie baking and involve young children in the memory making. Buy an unbreakable manger scene so they can touch and feel and play with the pieces. Savor the simplified.
Share: Choose a ministry, organization, or family in need to bless. This will be our second Christmas reading and putting into practice ideas we learn from the Sparkle Box. Enjoy involving your kids in blessing others around you. Look for practical ways to give your money, time, and resources to those who have less. Serve a meal in a soup kitchen, pay someone's tab, donate coats and clothing to the needy, the options are endless!
I pray that my children will see and remember Christmas as a time to give, not just receive.
Be challenged: Savor and Share the Simplified
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