In the movie, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" the mean ol Grinch steals all of the Who's gifts, decorations and food. He thinks he is going to take their joy also. However the Whos still celebrate without any of the stuff. In an effort to follow in the mini footsteps of the Whos I share some thoughts on celebrating Christmas with less stuff. I've made a list of what people typically "have" to do for the Christmas season...
Gifts: shopping, wrapping, mailing, DIY gifts and stockings Shopping: gifts and food (a lot of both) Cooking: 2-3 large meal prep, shopping, preparing and cooking (and cleaning after) Baking: Cookies exchanges, homemade gifts, meal donations etc. Decorating: tree, inside home, outside the house (lights/lawn) Christmas cards: design, order, stuff and mail Parties: work, school, church parties and party prep (i.e. outfits, nails, hair etc). Activities: visiting light displays, concerts/plays, school activities, parties and large meals Travel: planning, tickets, packing, driving/flying This by no means is a comprehensive list. I wrote this out to visually see what the prep looks like. Mike and I have talked a lot about this and so I offer some suggestions below. So much of what we want, what society tells us we need, we don't need at all. We want you to see what we have learned this year, that life matters. Time together matters. People matter. Stuff and busyness don't matter. Suggestions: If you look at the list above and overlap it with your regular calendar for the month something is going to have to give. The idea that all of the above can seamlessly fit in with all of your other obligations is not realistic. Decide with your family what is really important to them. You don't have to do the same activities and meals every year. Pick some of your favorite activities and be ok with skipping others (even if it means you don't send a Christmas card). Gifts: Mike's idea starting this year is that the kids get 3 gifts each. Why? Because Jesus got 3 gifts. This year we did a toy, outfit and book. Kids don't need a lot of presents. They need you. Other ideas is to give them gift cards but plan a date to go and spend it with them. Give season passes to zoos, museums, and other experiences that they can enjoy all year. For groups of adults draw names, go out to a nice kid-less meal instead of giving gifts, and "go in" as a group to buy larger ticket items for people instead of lots of smaller gifts. Wrapping: I try and wrap gifts the day I buy them so it doesn't get backed up. This year I am skipping the bows and ribbon. I also plan to teach Allie to wrap this year (and be ok with how it turns out) so I don't have to do all of it. Meals: Christmas Eve, Christmas breakfast, Christmas dinner...ask your family which of these meal is the most important. Spend the most time on that one. BLTs and take out are beautiful things. Another idea is to make side dishes, desserts, breakfast items days earlier and freeze them (it's also ok to use paper plates sometimes). My hope for this post was to challenge you to think outside your Christmas box. How can you decrease your stress this Christmas? Do less. Read your Bible, pray, take care of yourself. Be ok with not getting things done. I'd love to hear some of you ideas on this topic. Let's be like the Whos in Whoville and love Christmas because just because it's Christmas.
2 Comments
Auntie Wynda
12/5/2017 08:38:06 pm
Really love your suggestions and realistic approach to celebrating Christmas, Nikki. To dwell on the awe of God becoming human and to spend quality time with loved ones is definitely the gift to focus on!
Reply
Auntie Wynda
12/5/2017 08:41:51 pm
It takes time to wrap your head around hard news while your heart bleeds. But God is faithful to see you thru...Col. 3:15-17
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
November 2019
Categories |