I am one of those people who really starts to think about getting ready for Christmas....in July. I think the worst thing in the entire world for me would be to have to shop in late December for the family. I usually am shopping late December but that would be for the piano teacher or the preschool assistant...people I love but forgot to get a gift for.
I have tried all sorts of ways to organize it and make it manageable and fun for me too. But so far, nothing has totally solved the organizational nightmare that is Christmas prep. And usually it is full of fun craziness that I enjoy. But this year, as I started to get the toy catalogs in the mail (yes, they are already coming) I just felt sick. All that buying, all that getting, all that STUFF cluttering up our house. :) So, I have a new idea. In order for Mom to enjoy her holidays too, and so that we can really truly focus on the sacred nature of the season, I propose that each Johnson child gets ONE present and a stocking and then maybe a group family gift.
What do you think????
By the way, here is a GREAT Christmas blog: http://christmasmaking.blogspot.com/
14 comments:
So I am not the only CrAZy one;) I love getting it all done now (it's how I pass the lonely-end-of-billable-year time for myself). Do you have it all wrapped by Nov. 1 too? I love leaving the season open for celebrating. You would be a brave mama to do the 1 present for everyone. Let me know how that goes and maybe I'll follow you next year:) I'm right behind you on the too much getting of sTuFF!!! I'm thinking of limiting it to three this year.
Merry Christmas in July - Ho Ho Ho!
NO WAY!!! What, did you have a bad shopping day or something?? I love what you've done in the past. I've always thought you were so right on and wished I could follow in your footsteps. What made you think about changing your perfect Christmas plan? "Mom" will have no fun on Christmas morning when all the presents are opened in 7 minutes. They're fantastic kids who love the Lord and I'm sure understand the reason for the season, so go ahead and let them have some presents! All the above said with love and respect. Oh, and I'll still love you even if you turn into the Grinch. :-)
I knew you would be unhappy with me Amy!!!!
Grinch??? Grinch!!! Well, I am trying NOT to be a grinch.......
You make some really great points, particularly the one about enjoying the kids who are so happy with their gifts. They may need to thank you some day. sigh.
Hey there Cindy!
Yes, I just think that shopping in December is too crazy for me and there is so much else to do and see and celebrate and decorate through December that I want to be done with the buying...my goal is always before Thanksgiving, but November 1st is an even better goal, then I can enjoy my Thanksgiving! :)
I love the idea of 1 gift, a stocking and 1 family gift. LOVE IT! Every year we talk about doing something like that, but then I get wrapped up in the materialism of it all and can't resist "just a few more things." Go with your gut! I support you! I want to do it too.
Hi Sarah!!!
Thanks!!! It is difficult to know just how to do Christmas. And there is so much more we can do to make it meaningful. I need ways to free myself up for the more important opportunities to teach the kids. Great to see you here Sarah!!
I also love the idea of 1 gift too, I think a lot of the meaning of Christmas is being lost on so much focus on gift giving. And the season can still be tons of fun too. Owen's favorite memory of last year was taking treats to friends house and running away before they answered the door, (he also likes presents too). But I really do think that kids need way less than we give them...
Love the idea. I just discussed it with the hubby last week. We usually limit it to 3-4 presents, but last year went way overboard. I just cringe at the thoughts of wasting so much money on things they play with for a week and then it gathers dust in the basement. I thought of giving the boys some time to think about it as well so they put some thought into what they would really use and treasure. We'll see....
I agree with the concept--it would make Christmas much simpler and relaxed, but I think it would be very hard to implement OR to convince the kids. Having said that--it seems like it would be worth giving it a try and seeing how it goes. I'll be quite interested in your report.
DO IT! If the kids don't like it you could always do like the Headlees and buy presents for a needy family and then give them all away!! I'm sure I would have despised that idea as a child but, hey - maybe you could mix it up and do both! Anyway, I think it's a good idea. A cool family present like a vacation or a trampoline (you already have) or whatever and then something they would love. OR make categories and do one thing for each: Something to play with, something to learn, something to create...blah blah.
I LOVE this idea, and have wanted to try it each year but usually get too excited myself and never pull myself in. I remember that the Landrith's did something very similar and I admired so much of what they did as a family...as I do with your family as well. :) Less really is more!! I have thought of doing a lesson early on and talking about the 3 gifts that the Wise Men brought to the infant Jesus and how we could try to do something like that as well...the key I think is talking and explaining things to our kids and helkping them catch the big picture and get the excitement about the plan - then there is no problem at all because they are accepting ownership in the situation, instead of it being dictated from us what we are doing {which as parents we still could do, but I think the other way still is better!}. Your kids are so amazing - I can't imagine that they wouldn't be able to see the bigger picture of what you are trying to do. My big dream - as the kids get older we will spend each Christmas week going somewhere in the country or world and serving other people - like building a home for Habit for Humanity...wouldn't that just leave the Christmas filling brimming in you for the entire rest of the year?! Whereas with presents it is fun to see their faces in the moment...but then it is gone...it's just a moment. I love the idea of making a lasting change - do it...I'm completely and totally with you!!
Summer!
Hi dear Summer.
I SO agree about kids and ownership, well, with adults too. Don't we all appreciate ideas much more if we feel we contributed to them?
Everyone's comments have been so helpful! I think the Johnson family needs to have a Christmas meeting...in August. :)
i love that amy is completley appalled by this idea, that made me laugh! we have always wanted to streamline every year and in the end always go overboard only for them to really show interest in a couple of things. So, i think you are on the right track (i'm going to answer for this one to amy)...maybe 2 gifts per kid, stocking and family gift? And two that they really want. making them narrow down to 3 really important ones and then knowing that they get two also would throw the element of suprise back in. let me know what you end up doing...looking to be inspired!
Yes, I too enjoyed Amy's, ahem, views. She must love my kids. :) And she makes her Christmases so special for her kids every year.
This has been so fun I will have to post our true plan when we figure it out.
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