Christmas Excess

This is the time of year the conversation with the other parents at the school yard turns to Christmas and the preparations for Christmas.

The first hurdle is usually trying to explain what I have against Christmas trees. Its not that I don't like them. I just have a very small house and there is already 5 people crammed into it. Can you blame me for not wanting to introduce a massive blinking flashing tree in the middle for us all the navigate around. We will do it, just not in November!

The subject of gift giving always brings up interesting questions. Do our kids need all this stuff? It feels so excessive? Do you struggle with the materialism and glut at Christmas? These are the kinds of thoughts and questions that I hear coming from the other parents and have thought myself.

Last year while discussing this with one of my good mommy friends it dawned on me. I think our kids do need to receive presents at Christmas. I think it is a good thing. I remember the joy of getting gifts at Christmas, the excitement, surprise and happiness. That experience has enriched my experience as an adult. My joy at giving to my kids far exceeds their joy. I can hardly sleep the night before Christmas! As a child I had no idea that my parents likely felt exactly the same way.

Now, you must realize that we still do Christmas very modestly. We are not big spoilers! I don't believe in foolishly spending money, particularly if one doesn't have it. But, the cost and size of the gift doesn't matter - trust me on this one.

Our kids have started the process of maturity. It starts with learning to enjoy receiving gifts. To truly understand this pleasure will give them greater appreciation when they give gifts. They will grow to be givers who know the pleasure they are giving.

I sometimes caution myself not to expect my kids to be more mature than what they are. I can't expect them to embrace the idea of giving at an adult level. Nor can I expect them to know that excess is harmful to them. I just have to control those areas and help them enjoy what they do receive.

So, although I may have well published issues with Santa Clause and Christmas Trees I do not have issues with gift giving and receiving.

Maybe it is the very thing to help us focus on what was given to us. The best gift ever. One we could never aspire to give but can only be grateful to receive. Grace.

Amazing news

I borrowed this link from a heart group I belong to on Facebook.

I was absolutely amazed. This to me seems the stuff of science fiction. I am beyond thrilled that they are able to explore this and I wish them great success. Wouldn't it be wonderful for future parents of children with HLHS or single ventrical syndrom to be able to say their child was cured!

Wow!

A right of passage

When I think back to my childhood it seems that Halloween was usually snowy. If not snowy, at least very cold. Maybe it wasn't every year but I don't really remember any warm trick or treat outtings.

So now, my kids finally had the opportunity to go out for the neighborhood candy-fest in the snow. Good memories for them too. This year, against our usual custom, I went out with the kids and followed them around. It was good fun.

Mari stood and chatted at almost every door. She stopped and waved and chatted to almost every other person we met as we strolled. It was a great opportunity to meet people, according to Mari. What a girl!

On another front, the new owners took possession of the Wildwood house today, so now we no longer own two homes. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I am very proud of what my husband accomplished.