But usually I do start thinking about Christmas at this time of the year because I love to have all the Christmas gifts taken care of by December 1st so that we can actually enjoy the month of December and not feel so stressed.
For the past couple years I've been doing my best to have a more simple Christmas. What I mean is that I didn't want the kids focused just on gifts, or how many presents they're going to be getting. I want them to enjoy the month of December and all that goes into it, but I want them to also know why we celebrate Christmas, and the true meaning- Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Last year I had heard about the idea of just 3 gifts for each child, along the lines of the 3 gifts baby Jesus received from the three kings. So all throughout the month of December I took the opportunity to talk to them about why we celebrate Christmas in the first place, then I would explain to them that they would each receive 3 gifts just like baby Jesus. So on Christmas day they were not surprised that there were just 3 gifts under the Christmas tree for each of them.
This year I thought of doing things even a bit differently. I'm not opposed to buying gifts, but I sure dislike buying a bunch of store bought toys just to see them, a week or two later, forgotten about and discarded. So this year we'll be buying each of the kids one store bought gift and the rest of the gifts we'll be making or putting together ourselves. I'm actually really excited about this idea, and my husband and I have already discussed the things we'll be making.
We have four children, two daughters (ages 9 and 3) and two sons (ages 7 and 5), and we've come up with gift ideas that we think each will really like. We also have extended family that we'll be putting gift baskets together for, and I've come up with a lot of homemade items I can make for them.
I'm really looking forward to this Christmas season, to continue teaching the kids the importance of keeping Christ at the center of Christmas, and doing the things that make this season memorable: cookie baking, house decorating, Christmas movie watching. I'm looking forward to being creative with the gifts this year and to saving money by not spending so much.
My next post I'll be sharing with you the children's gift ideas that I have in mind. And if you have any ideas yourselves be prepared to share them if you'd like in the comments section, with a link to your blog or post so that others can read about them too.
And so that you don't miss the next part to this Homemade Christmas Series why don't subscribe to my blog via email.
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That is great. I love the idea.
ReplyDeleteHello, Julianne,
ReplyDeleteI left an answer to your question on the comment line. I hope it helps :) I am glad you are thinking about making gifts instead of purchasing them. It somehow is more meaningful to receive something someone took the time to make :) Also, I tried to 'follow you' but the 'Please follow me' button goes to a shabby blog link...
God bless your dear family :)
thanks for the comments, I really am looking forward to this Christmas season, and all the ideas I have planned.
ReplyDeleteOh, you're right- the Follow Me button is just a decorative button, the following link is below that, it's the "join this site" google link.
Thanks so much!
Julianne
I'm really interested to see what you do! We have three littles right now and have talked about scaling back on gifts, but have yet to figure out a good fit for us.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of three gifts just like the wise men and am curious about the gifts you choose for your kids. I will be anxious to see the handmade gifts you make too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYEp - we've done the three gift thing for years....we even created "categories" - Clothing, Educational, & FUN! They get a small stocking as well. It works great for us!
ReplyDeleteGoodness... that touches my heart. I think I love buying gifts more than I enjoy receiving them. I need to mention this to the hubby and try and do something like this. Thank you for your inspiration to remember the Reason for the season.
ReplyDeleteI am rereading your excellent post on giftmaking/giftgiving and the Reason ~ Jesus!
ReplyDeleteYou have practical and helpful information for families, and I thank you for linking to your sweet blog!
What a wonderful idea, my children are teens now, and I wish I had done that when they were younger. I bought them way to many gifts when they were younger and now that the economy is not great it is hard to keep up with that. I love giving gifts, and I am not sure I could narrow it down to three, but it is certainly something to consider. What a great thing, and it is wonderful that you started this while they were young! ~April
ReplyDeleteGreat post and inspiration - I always hate how commercialized things get at Christmas and how we so easily feed into it. I'll be watching for part 2!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things we ever did was to make gifts together for my son to give. He had a small circle of extnded family to give to. Sometimes we shopped at the dollar store, but the most memorable were the painted wood ornaments (I bought the blank shapes) the ice candles using a cheap taper for the center and the leather work from a discounted kit. :)
ReplyDeletethanks ladies for the comments, I love to hear what other families do and how they celebrate the holidays. I'm half way through writing part 2 and am hoping it will be up this evening. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was a inspirational post!
ReplyDeleteI am posting about homemade christmas this year as I will be making much of the decorations, food and gifts from local and simple resources.