I dunno. I'm always torn about cutting the schedule back some during the holidays. Seems like everything just gets too crazy to enjoy it much. I have to remember that it's about giving and giving takes time, money, etc. Giving isn't convenient, by definition. Celebrating, spending time with people you love, etc. isn't a convenient, easy thing to do. So the expectation has to be set.

The other thing that worked well for us one year was to get the shopping done before Thanksgiving. That way, when you get to December, all that's left is the decorating, partying, celebrating, worshiping--not the shopping.

Just some random, unorganized thoughts.

E

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Eric
FellowTip Founder

"The world is a better place when we share!"

Whenever we spend the Christmas season in the following way, it has been wonderful:
1. Instead of buying gifts for your spouse or other adults, we choose together a charity to donate to. Something that means something to both of you. Samaritan's Purse, Hal Lindsey's ministry, Gideon Bibles, a missionary, Alzheimer's Association, etc. Whatever is important to you. My mom is a wildlife fiend, so last year we "adopted" a lion for her through the World Wildlife Fund. She said it was the best gift she ever received. (www.worldwildlife.org/gifts)
2. For children I greatly reduce the number of gifts and try to focus on simpler, more old-fashioned toys that require them to use their imagination. Another option is that you could sponsor a child through Compassion (www.compassion.org) and have them get involved. They could help choose the child to sponsor. Then as their Christmas gifts, choose a piggy bank for them to save money to send to their child's family each Christmas, give them a framed copy of the child they are helping to sponsor, stationary for them to write to the child (or color if they can't write yet), and a book about the country where the child lives.
3. I don't go to malls or stores unless it's just to be in the bustling atmosphere and look at decorations. Any gift buying is done over the internet, in small independent shops, or before Thanksgiving.
4. I play a lot of Christmas music at home. Mostly Christian to keep Christ at the forefront of my thoughts.
5. I only decorate in ways that are meaningful to me. Admittedly, this would be more difficult to do if I had children at home. Since I don't anymore, I only get a small tabletop tree. I burn lots of candles and put a few decorations out, but nothing that will be a huge hassle to dread after the holiday is over. The purpose is to focus on God's gift of His Son. If the world's view of how to celebrate burdens you, it's hard to keep that focus. If one or the other is out the door, I choose to get rid of the world's traditions.
6. Obviously spend time in God's Word. And include any children in your life in that time.
7. PLAN what events you're going to do during the Christmas season and stick with it. I've spent way too many years over-scheduling and getting stressed out. You need to have time to yourself and with your family to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

Hope some of this is helpful.

Elizabeth Shaver

Thanks for sharing that, Elizabeth. Fantastic stuff. I'm gonna print that and give it to the folks in my community group.

Quick question. I like the old fashioned toy idea and things that make the kids use their imaginations. Any specific things that worked well?

Eric

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Eric
FellowTip Founder

"The world is a better place when we share!"

I tend to focus on things that will encourage hobbie and/or competence in adult activities and make that fun. For instance, I've given my granddaughter an apron, chef's hat, and pot holder. She has been "helping" me cook since she was 10 months old and loves it. I have her doing all the taste testing and explain it all to her. She beams. We have a ritual of making Oreo Truffles whenever she's in town. We did the same thing with Banana Pudding, etc. For my older granddaughter, I've given her things to use in the kitchen that are safe but makes her a part of all the excitement of the dinner preparations. I've given mixing bowls, egg slicers, rolling pins, etc. They love helping out.

Another area is gardening. Gardening gloves, hat, trowel, spade, etc. I'm a big fan of art, too, so I like encouraging that with easels and marker/paints/crayons and art paper. I gave my daughter an old-fashioned typewriter when she was in second grade, but I guess that's completely obsolete now!

Other ideas would be models to build, model trains, doll houses NOT a Barbie dollhouse, but get a nice wooden one at a flea market or build one. Then it can become a lifelong hobby. There are books and websites showing elaborate ones. I got my dollhouse as an adult and Jeff had it wired with electricity for me. I consider it a hobby to last for life, and have been very slow working on it. But you can remodel it in all sorts of ways and add furniture etc (That will give you ideas for future Christmases and birthdays.) I know this is a long way off, but an awesome dollhouse shop is in Lawrenceville, GA... http://miniaturedesigns.com/shop/.

When I go to toy stores, I focus on the science experiment and craft areas. Also puzzles.

Of course, bikes and other sports equipment are good and encourage activity. Too easy to be lazy.

And I always keep books at the top of my list.

Hope these suggestions help.

What wonderful ideas!!!

I think the key to the holidays is to think outside the box.

I hate to say this, but my parents were right. (I'm scrunching up my nose at the very thought of admitting that. My parents were right?! WHAT?) My mom and dad always tried to make our Christmas presents meaningful and looking back, they did a fantastic job.

I applaud my parents for getting us gifts that would make lasting memories. I loved the Christmas that my dad gave me my own tool belt with a hammer, a level, and some nails. I think he might have regretted it later, being that I hammered the whole pack of nails into the side of his antique dresser. But hey, the nails were in a fairly straight line. I used my level.

It's interesting to me that the gifts I remember getting for Christmas when I was little aren't the latest and greatest toy that I thought I HAD to have, Instead, they are the gifts that my parents put time and effort into. I went through this National Geographic phase when I was about 10 years old. So for Christmas my dad bought about fifty old NG mags from the 80's that some dude in the trading post was selling for a few bucks. You would have thought he had given me a million dollars when I opened up the box of NG magazines. (By the way, I still have them - and still love them. Yeah, I'm a nerd. That's what homeschooling does to you). :)

Some of the best Christmases I have ever had are the ones spent hanging out with the homeless at The Haven of Rest Rescue Mission (www.bristolmission.org). One Christmas day, when my best friend and I were 15, we walked to The Haven and served dinner to the homeless. We just thought we'd go and help out, maybe brighten their day a bit, when in fact WE were the ones who were blessed far beyond words could describe.

I think Christmas is the most fabulous time of year because of all the traditions and new memories awaiting to be made! I think too often we try to put Christmas in a box. We go through the holidays not enjoying them to the fullest! We need to remind ourselves every day of the wonderful reason for Christmas, Jesus Christ! This is a time to be thankful. A time to celebrate family & friends. A time to ENJOY! So, I encourage you to go and find someone who has nowhere to go for Thanksgiving or Christmas and invite them to spend it with you and your family! It's a great way to be a light for Christ and spread a little holiday cheer along the way!