I no longer wish to buy my children Christmas presents.

I no longer wish to buy my children Christmas presents...and here's why. Society has totally perverted the true meaning of Christmas.  Yes, I know Jesus wasn't born during the winter and December 25th is probably not even close to His real birthday. However, that's the day marked on our calendar that we celebrate it. If you chose to celebrate your birthday on some other day every single year, it would still be just as special as your actual birthday. Every year parents ( or at least we do) feel the pressure of buying gifts for their children for Christmas. There are big ticket items on their lists as well as small ones, but having three children it adds up really quickly. Then the true meaning behind the celebration is long forgotten midst the hustle and bustle of the season, crazy black Friday shoppers, and frustration of everything online being sold out. I had an idea this year that I am certain we may implement in the near future. Why not give them the gifts you were going to buy them throughout the year and save the celebration of Jesus just for Christmas? We have reason to celebrate it everyday of the year but especially hold sacred His birth. This would keep from spending all at once, give them things during the year and keep Christ in Christmas. Just enjoy celebrating Jesus and being with family during this time would mean so much more to me than anything put under a tree or inside a stocking. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing my children happy and excited about the season. But, I would be happier seeing them happy about Jesus and family. Their big items on the list would be reserved for Birthdays and the smaller gifts given during the year as rewards for good grades, good behavior, etc. I am not suggesting everyone should do this, I am saying that I feel the need to do it for my family. I realize everyone has their own way of celebrating and I hope it does include honoring our Savior. So much mercy and grace was involved in His birth because it was designed to lead to his death, for us. Everyone. Not just some but anyone who chooses to trust in Him. What a great gift, it's free, not earned, not deserved, but FREE. I don't know of a better reason to celebrate. Not much else in the world is free, or at least not anything worth having. 

May you have a very blessed Christmas and Joy throughout the coming year!!