Christmas is coming.
So, are you almost ready for Christmas???
I haven't bought a single gift yet this year (we are planning on doing that this evening). The strangest part...I am not stressing about it. I've been thinking so much this year about Christmas and all the traditions that go into it. For me, it's lost it's focus. It's become so much about "I need to get one more gift", or "when will I have time to get this gift", or "we don't have the money to be spending presents this year". Seriously folks. That shouldn't be what is in my mind this year. So a couple of weeks ago I stopped it. I've really just swept it aside and decided that it's not important. I wanted to share this video that has completely changed my thoughts on the matter. For me, it's always been more important to go to Church and celebrate the Lord, and just spend time with family, but this video made an impact on me for future years.
It's not only because things are tight for us (hey, we are just starting!) It is that this time becomes so stressful. So what can be done to change it?
Our solution:
Next year we won't be participating in gift exchanges. Not only do we not really have the money to buy a gift for the person we drew, in the big scheme of things, is that what really matters? We want to make the season for us to be completely about the Lord, love, family & friends. In place of one of our gift exchanges next year we will be having a big dinner (like Thanksgiving, but not present stress). Any money that we feel we can give will be going to a Charity - let's face it, they need it so much more than we do. Maybe we will even make some gifts, aren't those the best anyway!
Of course this won't be the case every year, but for next year, it's our plan. I know when we have kids (a long time from now!) things will be different.
This post wasn't to bring anyone down, or make people mad. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter (so please, no mean comments). I do think that giving gifts is a great way to show people you love them - however, when you don't really have the means to give them, why put so much stress on yourselves. Isn't the holidays really just about loving each other & celebrating our Lord.
So Merry Christmas. I hope it's a great one for you this year!
Love, Cassidy
7 comments:
Awesome idea. Steve showed this at church on Sunday. For several years now I have often wondered about what to do about changing the focus the has become Christmas. World Vision has a cataloge they send out every year and I have honestly thought about taking it to the families at Christmas and saying pick a charity and we will donate in your name. You are right so many more people need and we don't. Christmas should be about Jesus, love and friends and family. And the kids don't quite understand that now. But I have honestly thought about explaining to them and then letting them pick one and sending money in their name as well as a few gifts for them.
Good luck shopping tonight.
I think I've already chosen my charity! This is more fun than trying to decide what to get everyone anyway. I can't wait to see you on Wednesday!
Cassidy, this post made me so happy! I think you have a great idea and it's definitely something Erik and I will be considering for next year (however, I don't think I can go without getting a few things for Malachi!). I am really excited about our photoshoot and can't wait to have you and Justin over to hang out after the holidays! Have a wonderful Christmas!!
Cassidy..how true it all is! I think Christmas should be more about making a memory than giving a gift that will be discarded before the next Christmas comes around (even with kids!) Its seems every year, we have to get rid of things to make room for the new "stuff!" The things about Christmas that mean the most are the memories I have...Christmas at Nanaw and Papaw's with all the cousins, Pop John pulling out the spotlight and home movie camera to film everything..eating at the Little Tykes Picnic table with your girls when you were little..and all those things. I can tell you very few Christmas presents I ever got, but I remember the good times we had! Let's take time to make more memories----GAME NIGHT!!!! :)
Love you!!!
And I have been sitting here thinking how strange it will be with no packages to open and my beautirul grandaughter just opened my eyes and made be realize and remember all the good times we have had with family that we can no longer be with.
I will miss all of you this year, but looking back on the good times I will have a "most blessed Christmas" with memories that on one can ever take away.
Merry Christmas to all of You.
Granny
thanks for the video, really cool...Merry Christmas!
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