Christmas Ideas

I can't believe that it's already December. Where did the year go? It is so easy to go through life on auto-pilot and go from one season to the next without even realizing it. I'm trying to change my focus during this Christmas season and remember the reason for the season. It is so easy to get caught up in holiday baking, Christmas shopping, parties, and commitments that we often forget to slow down and enjoy it. I want to teach my kids that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birthday and not just about Santa Claus and presents. Instead of focusing on what I can't buy for loved ones this year I want to focus on the great things I do have. I may not be able to offer a fancy gift this year, but I can offer my heart and reach out to the people I love. Don't get me wrong I love to shop and I love to buy presents for my family, but I just want to shift my focus to the things that don't come from a store. And I'm encouraging other's that I know to shift their focus as well.
Slow down this season and really enjoy it because it will soon be gone. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies with your children, and then deliver them to loved ones or even to the elderly in a nursing home. Start new traditions and honor old ones. Read your children the story of Jesus' birth from the bible. Help your children find ways to give this holiday. Have your children make coupons to do chores, and have them make room for new toys by getting rid of some of the old. Take a walk and look at Christmas lights and then come home and drink hot chocolate and make smores in the fireplace.
Do you remember most of the presents you received as a child? Most people don't remember what they received for Christmas, but most of us do remember the holiday traditions. I encourage every parent to really think about the purchases they make for their children this year. Ask yourself if the presents reflect the values that you want to instill in your children? Ask yourself if the presents really increase the quality of your children's lives? Ask yourself when is enough stuff, enough? Will this toy just end up at the bottom of a toy box? Step outside of the box this Christmas and find presents that will really leave a lasting impression upon your child. Buy tickets to the movies, buy tickets for a concert or play. Try to buy experiences instead of just stuff.
The best thing you can give your children this Christmas season is your love and attention. Kid's would rather have more fun times making Christmas cookies and getting less for Christmas then having tons of new toys from a stressed out and over worked parent.
I will be posting Christmas gift ideas soon, so please check back