CHRISTmas? Or not...

I've recently been inspired by this video.

And also, my husband. Who is the most amazing guy I know... and is (as I lovingly refer to him) somewhat of a scrooge around Christmas. He rolls his eyes at me every time I mention Christmas tree hunting or turn the radio to the 'all Christmas' station. Upon deeper probing though, I found out why. He confessed to me that he finds himself prone to selfishness and the idea of getting a ton of presents is a little like giving a lottery ticket to a gambling addict. Not helpful. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense, and the more I realized that I fall victim to that trap too... More often than I'd like to admit.

We also spend a lot of time talking about how we want our children to be raised; and the words 'selfish brat' are not really topping the list. We want our children to be grateful, appreciative, and thankful for the blessings they have. And of course, we want to remember Christmas for what it is; a celebration of the birth of our Saviour. Not a panic inducing gimmie-fest.

So how are we doing this? Good question. Like most things in life; it's a work in progress. This year so far we are making a point to:
* Volunteer our time during the holiday season (we chose Habitat for Humanity and Safe House)
* Respectfully request that our family not give us any gifts this year; and limit the gifts they give to our children (we know they love buying presents for the kids--but one gift is plenty).
* Spend more on charitable giving and less on meaningless gifts (we love Heifer International!)
* Spend less (or nothing) on decorations, Christmas gifts, etc.
Example: I recently raided my mom's fabric closet for material to make a tree skirt and stockings--it is our first year together in a new house, after all! I'm also planning to make goodies and home made presents for some friends and family that cost little to nothing but hold deeper meaning.
* Keeping traditions alive, and creating new ones. My mom and her family (my aunts, uncles, etc) always make a gingerbread house around Christmas time. The gingerbread is home made, and we spend hours picking out the candies, laying the foundation, and decorating and designing. There have been a few architectural masterpieces over the years, if I do say so myself. And it was always a fun way to connect and spend time together... isn't that what the holidays are for?

(Yup the one on the right is me. Cheesy grin and all.)


Just for fun, and to drive home a point, think of this: What was your favorite Christmas gift? Do you still have it? Where is it?

Can't remember?
 
How about this: Name one family tradition or experience that you remember around the holidays?

Bet that was easier. And I bet your smiling now.
See my point?


So, what say you? What traditions do you have with your family? How do you keep CHRISTmas alive without falling victim to the consumerism trap? Let's share some ideas!