Canceling Christmas?

It's that most wonderful time of year... time to buy our kids stuff they don't need, and already have too much of so I can spend even more time "helping" the Princess pick up the toys that seem to permanently cover the floor of her room. Don't get me wrong- I love the holidays. I used to beg my parents to let me have a Christmas tree in my room growing up. And now that we have kids, I love sharing our family traditions with them and teaching them about the birth of the Christ child. What I don't love is the shopping for gifts that we can't really afford and not really knowing what to get in the first place. Like many families trying to live only on one income, our finances are stretched super tight. So this year I announced some changes our family would be making for Christmas.

Change #1: No gifts. Santa Claus is still visiting the kids (albeit on a much smaller scale), but as for all of the other gifts I go crazy trying to figure out- not happening this year. Instead, we'll see each other at holiday parties and such, and try to (as corny as it sounds) "give the gift of time together." After all, as we all get older, it's the only thing I know I want, and really enjoy, from the family (okay, there are a few family members who I would rather they sent me a gift card to Smokey Bones, or even a Dustbuster, but all in all, time together is good).

Change #2: Homemade gifts only. When I told my husband about this, you would have thought I said I was going to give him a fart for Christmas (and considering what he got me last year- nothing- you'd think he'd be happy to be off the hook). The gifts that we exchange in the family- the kids, my husband, and I- all must be homemade. Nothing storebought. I mean, this is what the family on 7th Heaven does and they're super perfect, so it must be a good idea, right? :) And I have to say, I'm glad I'm instituting this now. Shopping for parents is always tough- what do you get them that expresses how much you love them, how grateful you are for their parenting, for always being there for you, and says, "Merry Christmas!" One year I bought them a toaster that I knew they liked. Not that they didn't use it or like it, but I bet it wasn't as meaningful as the Christmas ornaments I made them in college when I was p-o-o-r (and which will probably also hang on my tree one day- the toaster bit the dust a few years ago). Last year my brother (who is now known as "the good one") got them a butcher block of knives. It took me a good month to get over being jealous of how happy my parents were with his gift compared to mine (which I can't even remember now- how sad is that?). Anyway, I want our kids to give us stuff from their heart- drawings, paintings, coupons for hugs or chores, whatever. I think it helps to tap into what Christmas is really about.

That's it. We'll still decorate, put up lights, the tree, bake Christmas cookies, drink egg nog, make fudge... and dare I say that I think the "no gifts" rule will lessen the stress that usually comes along with Christmas, making the holiday more enjoyable? I also have to say that when I announced our no gifts Christmas plan, everyone was supportive. I shouldn't be surprised- with the economy the way it is, I know we're not the only family struggling to make ends meet. And with the way the world is, I guess I'm not the only one looking to find meaning and make lasting memories with the ones I love, and to instill that value in my children.

So, what do I want for Christmas? My stepson, Mr. Cool, is an artist and photographer, I'm hoping he uses some of those talents to make something for me. The Princess is pretty artisitc herself (although we recently had to institute a crayon ban after continued unauthorized "wall art" kept appearing in her room). Thing One and Thing Two could make my day just by taking a nap at the same time. And my husband, Monk? He makes his own jewelry, so I'm kind of hoping for a necklace with everyone's birthstone on it. But I'd be happy with a hug and a foot rub.