I love Christmas and everything that comes with it! The lights, cookies, decoration,choosing and making Christmas presents.
So I was taken aback when my friend frowned at me the other day, saying “Christmas again”. More toys and things that we don’t need. Following traditions of other family members, instead of our own. While she liked the idea of Christmas, the reality is often overwhelming and she’s relieved when Christmas is over.
It made me sad, and made me ponder why it’s so easy to feel out of control, particular at a time that should bring joy.
Let’s talk presents.
Our conversation fitted well with me, since I just finished our Christmas presents wish list. Which I enjoy putting together.
She was telling me that her kids get way too many presents. They’re already having more than enough toys. Many not played with and as my friend pointed out, taking up a lot of space and for her to clean up at night.
I asked, if she told others what she and her family want for Christmas? Nope, she hadn’t.
We have to ask for the presents and gifts we want to receive. We need to know what we want.
My parents decided a long time ago – no presents, except for grandchildren. While I respect that choice, I love giving and receiving presents, to and from the people I love. More so with a child at home, I feel it’s important to give presents to everyone.
Coming up with ideas can be hard. Therefore I keep a running list. Each time we want something we don’t need right now, we put it on the list. Around Christmas we go through the list and see what sparks interest. Often it’s something we don’t really need, but that would make life more enjoyable. This can be practical items (like ours this year) or something that purely brings joy (jewelry, wine carafe, or other).This year we want a food thermos. We’re often out on hikes and walks. Particular in the winter it’s nice with a warm soup or some warm sausages outside. To us that brings joy.
Further, it’s all about spending time together in our family. So on our wish list we ask to receive time together, that may be tickets for children theater or the swimming pool or just a family game, that we can play together.
These experiences will create a memory for a lifetime!
For our son it took a bit more time to create the present list. We decide concisely what he is getting and what we allow into our house.
As a guideline I like the idea to have Christmas presents split up in three areas: something he needs, something educational and something to play.
Something children need can be cloths, school items, shoes.
Something to learn can be books, a learning kit, an online course or local lessons for a hobby. For us it’s mostly books this year, these books are chosen careful. Okay, I’m a bit of a nerd and did quiet some research on children books.
Something to play. Instead of bringing more toys in, we’re building on what we have. Our son loves Lego Duplo and Brio trains. We asked what he would like to add to these, like a Brio train station or something similar, and that goes on the list.
Less is often more and to us that makes Christmas more intentional and appreciative.
After we’re done with our list, we went through all of his toys together. He choose which toys we can give away or can store for now. I was so surprised, how many toys he choose to let go and give away.
Learning from our children to let go.
Let’s be conscious and outspoken about what we want in our lives.
Let’s be open to receive gifts in our lives as a sign of appreciation and love.
Let’s create the Christmas spirit we wish.
Over to you:
How do you prepare for Christmas? Is there anything special on your wish list this year?
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