A Mother's Heart

Holiday Gift Giving

The Christmas gift-giving season is upon us!  I realized once I got married that everyone's take on Christmas gifts is different, according to our upbringing.  Now, as I have my own little family to guide through the holidays, I must take stock of our traditions.

My family grew up believing in Santa, although he only brought one gift.  We had many presents, but very little extended family.  In fact, I'm not sure I can even remember a Christmas with anyone other than myself, my parents and my brother.

Now, I live very close to my parents, and I want them intimately involved in our Christmas.  The more the merrier!  But I also realize that I don't want to conform to the ways of the world....of gift giving.  I most certainly would never dream of buying any gift on credit, or of robbing another part of my budget for gifts.  I have a "gift" category in my budget all year round.  How much should I allocate?  That's the million-dollar question, if you'll pardon the pun!

I want my family to feel excitement on Christmas day, and have joy in getting AND giving thoughtful gifts.  I want us to help others (as we should all year round) less fortunate.  I want us to have fun traditions, cookies, songs, games, decorations, that make for treasured memories. 

I just read in Newsweek that a member of the Credit Union National Association says, "Everyone says they want to spend less, and then they go and increase spending by 5 or 6 percent."  It's getting crazy! 

Let my family not "buy" into the mentality that happiness can be bought.  That idea is so prevalent in our society, and so insidious.  It'll sneak up on you.  Fight against it!!

Leslie

Untitled Comment

4:24, 11/30/2007 .. Posted by blessedmomof10

Leslie,
Yes gift giving can become out of control for many... stats show that many get into thousands of dollars worth of debt.....it is crazy! I have never understood that. Good for you for creating your own traditions.

Blessings,
gloria