gifts. I do "Elfy Claus" (don't ask - it's a lot of work and a lot of $$), I do stocking boxes (yes, boxes, big ones FULL of everything imagineable for my kids), we have our front room absolutely filled to the gills with presents. Yes, Christmas has always been a big affair in the Weltz Family.This year HAS to be different. The economy has seen to that. So, what is a girl like me to do? I have fretted and fussed over the implications of "scaling down". So . . . I sat my kids down for Family Home Evening on Monday and informed them of the bad news. I was braced for all out mutiny.
What I received was understanding and, yes, even a little bit of sympathy for what I was feeling. I was so stunned! My kids were asked to write out their Christmas list and, instead of seeing the 3 page essays that I have in the past, I saw papers with only a few modest desires. I was so proud of my kids. I have always accused them of being a bunch of materialistic brats and they showed me, didn't they.
I am grateful that Heavenly Father has smiled down upon my little head at this moment. I am grateful that Brian actually said that Christmas was about Christ and not the presents. I am grateful that Robbie said "Mom, we don't need a bunch of stuff to be happy" and I am grateful that the twins only put a couple of modest requests on their list (okay, except for the ipod that Courtney asked for - she doesn't quite get it).
So, now, I need to start looking at the next few months and decide which direction I am really going to take in this Christmas thing. Can I really put more "Christ" into our Christmas this year? Is there someone out there that can give me a clue how to do that? Does that sound insanely crazy? Wow, I'm so overwhelmed by this whole concept that I think I need to go shopping! Maybe I will buy them a few extra presents because they are so wonderful . . .
2 comments:
dave and i loved this blog :) we're so excited to come spend christmas with you guys this year!
I was raised Christian with the story of Jesus' birth and the three wise men who brought one gift each for baby Jesus. Therefore, my brothers and I only got three gifts from our parents. They were small gifts, but they were gifts none the less.
I dont know if/how this might help, but it might make your kids feel more appreciate that they have parents who do more than the "bare minimum" if you want to share that with them.
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