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.