Christmas

Christmas is coming. Yikes! I am not even close to being ready this year. Christmas cards: not done. Christmas shopping: not done. Christmas baking: not done. I’m trying hard not to stress about everything, but I’m feeling the pressure, I gotta admit.
My husband and I made a decision about Christmas this year. Basically, it’s to scale back. Not as many presents for each other and certainly not as many presents for our boys. First off, cja doesn’t know any different. Watching him play with the Communion cups on Sunday at church was another reminder that he doesn’t need anything elaborate or expensive, but something simple pleases him. He digs spoons at the restaurants and boxes for him to put stuff in. Why fight that?
Last year, we overdid it with era. We bought him so many fun things and had such fun doing it. By the time the end of the gift giving was done, era was a different kid, one I didn’t like so much. Quite frankly, he was spoiled, and my heart hurt at his reaction, but more importantly, my reaction. I didn’t like my son for a few minutes and I was the one who caused it.
Last week, when era and I decorated the house for Christmas, we pulled out the Nativity to set up. The details of the manger were not as clear to him or to me as we worked, and I was affirmed in my heart to scale back now while era is young and teachable. Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas and an abundance of gifts and treats clouds that purpose. I am thankful to family and friends who understand my concerns and have joined with me to make Christmas about thankfulness and about being aware of the amazing Gift that came to earth so many years ago. I am praying for my boys to be blessed this year; may they feel the excitement and wonder of the profound Present of Jesus as a babe in a manger, coming to earth to make a way for my boys to go to heaven. May this gift be first and foremost in their minds and hearts this Christmas. Amen.

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