Months ago I came to a realization about our holidays. Christmas and Easter are the only holidays that have a magical person/creature that comes and gives us things. We don't have a magical eagle for the 4th of July that comes and brings us Old Navy glory t-shirts. There isn't Trevor the Thanksgiving Turkey to lay some golden eggs in our shoes. Not even a Labor Day ant eater to come wipe out the varment infestation. Christmas and Easter are the only holidays that are supposed to be about Jesus Christ yet are the only ones that have things to distract us from the real meaning behind the celebration. The thought struck me and I haven't felt the same since. This year I made 87% of the few gifts that I gave. I didn't get to go see all the shopping frenzy and see all the crazy deals and fake Santas that drive us further from the celebration of our Savior's birth. It was great!
Next year I am not going to give as many gifts to my children, but just keep things simple. I'm going to do more things for others. I want my children to grow up appreciating the things they have and learning that the greatest happiness comes not in what they get, but what they give. I am grateful for this holiday season and the time it gives me to reflect on the many blessing that I have, the greatest being my Savior and friend Jesus Christ. I hope to do better in the year to come and think less of myself and more about others. Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Epiphany
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Insightful observations! We toned down the presents this year, too. We've found that the more they get, the more they want and the greedier and more selfish they become, so it's been nice this time around. I recently read that the more "stuff" kids have, the more they have to lose, which is why they become so selfish and won't share. On the other hand, when they hardly have any thing (toys) they don't have so much to lose, and don't mind sharing.
It's kind of pathetic that all the stores in the country have to rely on selling tons of crap in the name of CHRISTmas in order to stay open, and have to sell even more every year, or they go bust. Let them go bust, and maybe our society's well being won't be so dependent on everyone acquiring more stuff.
I totally agree with you. I have tried more and more each year to make the presents that I give and I find that they are more appreciated and they are so much more fun to give.
HERE-HERE! or HEAR-HEAR! (i don't know which one works better).
You are right on! Yet there is a historical reason to why we have the Easter bunny and Santa Clause. Matter of fact I just listened last week to my husband explain it all to my nephew:) Still I believe 100% with you that it is only a distraction!!! Hope you guys had a Merry Christmas!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful insights. Now, if I could only make as cool of things as you do! I did get a sewing machine for Christmas. So maybe by next year...you'll all get beanbags!
Hey BUDDY! I am so excited to see you and Sally has been asking for your number, so she can give you her pics, so you can get to work! Yay! I had an Epiphany the other night too, I almost posted it, but I put it in my hardbound journal instead. My mind was going from one connection to the next in a big hurry and I wanted to write it all down. Thanks for sharing yours! I love ya buddy, can't wait to see you, I think Saturday will work great, what time is best for us to be outside?
Kristal, you're the awesomest! I've always felt that too much is made of gift giving, SC, etc but I always seem to get outvoted in the matter. The things you made for me mean so much more than things that are purchased. The digital butterfly collage is amazing--I'll have to post it! Love Mom
Kristal--I've never noticed that before about the Easter Bunny and Santa! So true though--I also agree about going easy on all the presents--it sure makes Christmas more meaningful when we don't over do it! You are so creative--you always make nice thoughtful gifts!
We missed you at the Christmas party. Your girls were so cute. Sophie actually sat on my lap for 20 mins. It was so cute. I think she was to scared to move.
"How many are there?" "thirty six...Counted them myself." "But last year, last years I got thirty seven."
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