Like so many parents do I went through the massive Christmas syndrome. The kids were young and we would buy all the best toys for them, in quantity. Christmas day would come and they would have a blast opening up all their presents and playing the rest of the day with each one or even more than one at a time. Two, three months would go buy and those great toys became fodder for the house. Then I was constantly telling them to pick the toys up from around the house or their bedrooms when it was time to clean up. After a few times of talking I would walk around the house and their rooms to pick up those great toys they all wanted so much. They would fuss a little but soon forgot all about the toys. Six or seven months would go by and I would bring those toys out from their hiding place and it was like Christmas all over again and again they would play with them but eventually they grew bored with them once again and back away they would go. I decided that instead of wasting all that money and time to buy a massive amount of toys I began cutting back and each year bought fewer toys and more things they needed, like clothes or crafty items that would stimulate their mind creatively. Finally one year I decided to buy only one toy they really wanted then some clothes or mind stimulating gifts (i.e. books, crafty items..). I also decided that year to discuss the true meaning of Christmas, and the man it really was all about (not Santa). After all Jesus was a man of little means. He on several occasions showed almost a contempt for excessive material wealth. He focused on the helping of those less fortunate. I have continued with that tradition through the years trying to act more like our brother Jesus and give of myself rather than material goods. Thinking thoughtfully about those things I do purchase, making homemade gifts when possible. Most of all I do my best to truly express good will toward all.
So as you are running around during the holiday season, working, shopping, etc. remember who Christmas really represents and think about what he would do.
Trinity Creations 