Christmas Love

As I tucked my little guy in tonight I couldn't help but feel his intense excitement over tomorrow being Christmas Eve. He said "I can't believe Christmas is almost here!"

I love Christmas. I have many, many wonderful memories tied with this incredibly special time of year. But it seems the older I get, the more important the real meaning of Christmas becomes. The fact that Jesus was born on this earth in the humblest of settings, just for us amazes me. I'm trying harder this year to focus on the reason we celebrate and less on the commercialism of it all.

It's no big secret that I like shopping. Shopping for my kids I find especially fun, just because I know them so well and I know what they get excited over. A couple of months ago I sat down and created a budget for Christmas. At the time I knew of two or three things each of my children would like, so I kind of budgeted accordingly. But since then, new lists have been made. All of a sudden El is asking for a certain Barbie, and Connor is no longer talking about the Harry Potter Lego set but Mario Cart for the Wii. So I justify myself and say "oh, this little gift can be from the cat" or "maybe this I will just stick in their stocking" and on and on.

So then I feel guilty, like I am super spoiling my kids and I'll end up with so many toys in the house, I'll have to spend 3 days organizing them (which you know will probably never happen!)
So... here I am in deep discussion over the whole spoiling/too many gifts/ what's the right amount etc. with one of my many wonderful sister in laws and she comes up with something brilliant! In keeping with the reason we celebrate Christmas she explained to her boys that this year they were going to get three presents. They were going to be like the Gold, Frankincense, and Muir. The "Gold" gift is something you've really, really wanted and it may be expensive, the Frankincense gift is a gift that is going to help you grow. So it could be a book, art supplies, a class etc., and the Muir is something practical that you need, such as a new winter coat or clothes. So that's what they are doing this year and I think it's fabulous! So come next year, I want to try this.

Anyway, I apologize for the rambling post. It's been a way crazier week than anticipated, ending with me at the dentist today because I have an infection from a tooth that needs filling. T3's here I come!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!

Much love,
Larajane