So, in our first year of marriage and with a baby on the way, our budget is extremely tight with no room for excess or mistakes. The problem is, we have a lot of loved ones that we want to use this time to show our love for.
I, personally, am against the materialism aspect of Christmas. I just don't think that is what Christ is about or how He would like us to celebrate His day of birth into this world and all that it means. Christ came to this Earth in the flesh of Jesus as a total sacrifice, not of self-indulgence which is what I see so much of permeating the Holidays. There is a mad dash to get presents bought and food prepared and all for what? Is Christ really getting glorified and enjoying us celebrating Him and all He stands for when we are too stressed to even enjoy our families or give something back to the community? I just don't feel He's too pleased with the way most of us do His day.
I have decided to do things differently. Surprise, surprise! I think somewhere my name really means "mold-breaker." I always feel that if a gift is given just for the sake of giving, then there is no point in it anyway. I'd rather have the money, or not have the person feel pressured to get me something lest I think poorly of them. I'd much rather have someone give me something meaningful. Something they actually spent time thinking about me and felt I could actually enjoy or would benefit me, rather than just more stuff to add to my already stressful amount of stuff. Right? I'm all about gifts with a purpose and function, rather than dust-collectors, unless of course it's a pretty vase or something of the like that they actually desire.
Moving on, my husband began getting stressed realizing how many people we "had to buy" for and how in the world we could manage to keep our own budget intact while giving for others. I quickly reminded him he has a very creative wife who can MAKE things for our loved ones that are actually created for them out of love rather than spending money on something they probably don't even really need and we sure can't afford. I know I would feel awful knowing someone bought me something just to give me a present when they didn't really have the money in the first place. I'd rather have a visit and watch a favorite movie together, or something more meaningful that's totally free. That's my P.O.V. for giving as well. Especially as I am getting older and possibly more nostalgic and sentimental, I realize that stuff really doesn't matter, it's the little memories and moments along the way that make us feel cherished by those we love. So, enter my gift giving ideas.
I also wanted to implement a One Buy Rule within our family for Christmas gifts (stocking stuffers don't count as they are usually cheaper anyway) and that we would have to make the rest or offer something for free. I volunteered ideas to my husband for me, such as a massage and serenade. Totally free and totally awesome and meaningful. For my son, I've been wracking my brain and scouring Pinterest until I finally got one idea, and here it is:
The Activity Bucket
As you can see, it is a simple pail I think I got at Wal-Mart a few years ago on clearance for about 50 cents. I used craft sticks and scrapbooking paper I already had on hand to make the activities. As I was thinking about what my son could really use, I realized it was more quality time with us. My days are very busy what with homeschooling him, taking my own college courses, keeping up the house, cooking from scratch (it's worth it), writing, being pregnant, and the other things in life, there is not much of me to go around and I find I am more teacher than I am Mom. My husband also works full time and every other week sings on the Worship team at church, which means every night he is practicing at home, then one night a week he doesn't get home until 10:30 due to practice at church. When he is home, it's trying to take care of household stuff and just having time to unwind from daily stresses. Quality time with the parents, especially before and after the baby gets here, is super important and I felt he would appreciate that time with us much more than any more stuff.
Here are some of my ideas:
- Story time (he loves when we play dress-up with stuff from his costume bin while I read to him)
- Make up a story
- Play King and Queen for a day - wear crown and robe
- Plant "Magic Beans" - for garden
- Cook something from My First Cookbook (this was a cookbook my grandparents gave to me when I was little and he has been asking to cook from it, but I never had the time)
- Go to the park
- Go Geocaching (If you don't know what geocaching is, go here Geocaching NOW!)
- Go for a bike ride
- Make bouncy balls
- Make flubber
- Play chess
- Go on a date with Mom
- Play a game (his choice)
- Make PlayDoh
- Play baseball with Dad
- Play Aerobi in park with Dad
- Play Frisbee golf
Parents, don't be afraid to think outside the Gift Box. Children, no matter what they may say, value quality time with parents over large quantities of material stuff. It is really all about the memories. Think about it; which do you remember now and value more from your childhood: the toy you always wanted and got, or the time spent with family?
Hope this post helps to stir your creative juices and helps you and your family onto a more meaningful holiday season.
I will be sharing more posts later in stages regarding the holidays.
Until then,
~ Crystal ~
