It's nearly Christmas! And I never got to my blog post about organizing for Christmas. So sorry friends:) I am "off" this year. With moving, getting my two babes settled into new routines, making new friends, home construction, and more, blogging has taken a back seat. You will have to wait till next year, God willing, for my holiday "organization" post.
But, I will share with you that I have incorporated a new thing to our Christmas routine. This year we are focusing on the birth of Jesus and spending time together. We are NOT focusing on our Christmas list and our presents. My children will each receive 3 presents from my husband and I. GASP!!!
In addition they each get a new pair of darling holiday pajamas on Christmas Eve and an overflowing stocking from Santa on Christmas morning. As for the three gifts, I picked three nice things I knew each child would love. And I wrapped them special with lots of love.
Last year was just too much. By the time I got everything wrapped and under the tree, and added all of the gifts with gifts from grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., there were so many gifts. I could tell that ERH wasn't even appreciative. She was overwhelmed. And the meaning of Christmas was gone. Right then and there I promised myself, this year would be different. We needed to refocus the holiday...pronto.
So this year I am doing more baking with the kids, more snuggling by the fire, more talking about Jesus and what He means to us, more giving to others, more spending time with family.
Your blog is so refreshing - I love it and your attitude! :)
Posted by: mary | December 21, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Good for you, Maria! I hope to do the same in years to come. I will admit that I went a little overboard this year. It's just the thrill of finally having a child! But, from now on, I want Christmas to be focused on Jesus and not on gifts.
I hope you and yours have a merry and blessed Christmas. :)
Posted by: Joannah | December 23, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Merry Christmas Maria!
It's a wonderful philosophy that you've adopted. We are celebrating our first Christmas as parents and have managed restraint - difficult when you're celebrating with your first little one! (Joannah - I know just what you mean. My weakness is books for her library. I can't quite help myself there.) Besides, she's probably going to be far more interested in the boxes and papers. :)
The peace and joy of the holidays to your and your family.
Posted by: Rachelle | December 23, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Maria, I believe you are doing a wonderful job raising the kids and this is another confirmation of your purposeful way of doing just that. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Deb McCreedy | December 23, 2011 at 08:44 PM
We also do the 3 gifts, pajamas on Christmas Eve and stockings. We actually focus our three gifts on JOY--one gift to remind you of Jesus, one gift to share with Others, and one gift just for You. We come from large families with generous grandparents and limiting the gifts from us really helps keep the focus of the holiday and minimizes (as much as possible with gifts from relatives) the gifting. :-)
Posted by: Kate | December 28, 2011 at 01:53 PM