Christmas Reflection
This year the boys were in Tennessee and spent their first Christmas away from their Daddy. It was a very sad time, and sometimes difficult to remain joyful, but we made it through! Fortunately, we were able to celebrate Christmas with the boys via FaceTime. We watched as they celebrated with Bo's family and then, as they participated in our "5 Days of Christmas," which we sent in a box to Tennessee.
Watching our four-year-old open his gifts was seriously like watching a tornado zip through a town. No joke. He went from present to present without pause! It was as if he was looking for the next toy before he even realized what the one in front of him was. Our six-year-old, could barely keep himself from asking, "When can I open my gift!?" He would read our cards and Bible verses, quickly answer any questions, and his focus was right back to the gifts. One of the greatest joys of parenting is being able to give your child nice things and watch their face light up with excitement. However, as we were sitting back and observing our two sweet children, we started to wonder if they understand what Christmas is really about.
Our society has made this holiday about everything BUT the birth of Jesus. Honestly, we ourselves have bought into the "spend, spend, spend" ideology. We really started to question our parenting: Are we parenting them in a way that they grow up to be thankful and appreciative of gifts, relationships, health, etc.; Is our gift giving too excessive and causing discipline issues?; Are we teaching them that gifts aren't always just physical objects wrapped in pretty little bows?; Are we showing our own appreciation and thankfulness for these said gifts?; And most importantly, are we making sure they understand the true meaning of Christmas?
Having a mountain of presents under the tree or spending a lot of money isn't wrong or inappropriate - we LOVE giving gifts! It is a great way of showing love and it is a joy to give your child good things. The challenge, though, is to teach them that getting and giving gifts are simply one of many ways we show love; not THE way we show love. And that all the presents under the tree do not represent the true meaning of Christmas. It was never intended to be all about getting physical gifts. It was intended to be a time that we remember the gift that was given to us through Jesus' birth. After all, no one gets a bunch of gifts when they come to my birthday party! ;)
Bo and I, and the boys' other parents, discussed ways in which we can make Christmas, and really every day, more about others and less about ourselves. Here are some, of many, ideas:
Parents and parents-to-be, let's not pack the Christmas spirit away with all the boxes until next year! Let 2017 be a year that we remember the greatest gift we have been given and be families that put others above ourselves!
P.S. If you have any advice or thoughts to share, please do!
Watching our four-year-old open his gifts was seriously like watching a tornado zip through a town. No joke. He went from present to present without pause! It was as if he was looking for the next toy before he even realized what the one in front of him was. Our six-year-old, could barely keep himself from asking, "When can I open my gift!?" He would read our cards and Bible verses, quickly answer any questions, and his focus was right back to the gifts. One of the greatest joys of parenting is being able to give your child nice things and watch their face light up with excitement. However, as we were sitting back and observing our two sweet children, we started to wonder if they understand what Christmas is really about.
Our society has made this holiday about everything BUT the birth of Jesus. Honestly, we ourselves have bought into the "spend, spend, spend" ideology. We really started to question our parenting: Are we parenting them in a way that they grow up to be thankful and appreciative of gifts, relationships, health, etc.; Is our gift giving too excessive and causing discipline issues?; Are we teaching them that gifts aren't always just physical objects wrapped in pretty little bows?; Are we showing our own appreciation and thankfulness for these said gifts?; And most importantly, are we making sure they understand the true meaning of Christmas?
Having a mountain of presents under the tree or spending a lot of money isn't wrong or inappropriate - we LOVE giving gifts! It is a great way of showing love and it is a joy to give your child good things. The challenge, though, is to teach them that getting and giving gifts are simply one of many ways we show love; not THE way we show love. And that all the presents under the tree do not represent the true meaning of Christmas. It was never intended to be all about getting physical gifts. It was intended to be a time that we remember the gift that was given to us through Jesus' birth. After all, no one gets a bunch of gifts when they come to my birthday party! ;)
Bo and I, and the boys' other parents, discussed ways in which we can make Christmas, and really every day, more about others and less about ourselves. Here are some, of many, ideas:
- Volunteering at shelters, church, other organizations throughout the year
- Implementing chores and holding them accountable on a weekly basis
- Donating toys that aren't being used to less fortunate kids several times a year
- Having our children choose a charity/non-profit organization for their guests to donate, instead of bringing birthday presents to birthday parties
- Spending family time each night without electronics or other distractions
- Speaking to others with respect (tone of voice and choice of words) *VERY HARD FOR OUR YOUNGEST!!
Parents and parents-to-be, let's not pack the Christmas spirit away with all the boxes until next year! Let 2017 be a year that we remember the greatest gift we have been given and be families that put others above ourselves!
P.S. If you have any advice or thoughts to share, please do!
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