Consider Christmas

Last year we approached Christmas drastically different than we ever had before. For several years, Tommy and I had been increasingly convicted that what we did for Christmas should be different, less consumeristic and materialistic and more thoughtful, but we never really quite knew what to do with that conviction and how to apply it to us until last year.

We came across Advent Conspiracy and it intrigued us so we dug in. We got the kids together, showed them videos (below) and explained what we'd like to do this year (last year). We wanted to make sure that they were okay with it and wouldn't get to the other side of Christmas and feel like we'd taken Christmas away from them but we wanted to teach them that Christmas can be less focused on "me" and that is the way it should be. We wanted it to be balanced and not just yank the tree skirt out from under them. Our goal was to help us all realize how greedy we are and how all the money we normally spend on often cheesy Christmas gifts could actually help others live - not just have stuff they don't have but to LIVE, survive, breathe another day.

We sought out an organization that we wanted to give to, we made thoughtful gifts or bought them, spending less, some of our gifts involved no money at all but involved lots of thought and time. We sent a letter to our closest family members that we exchange gifts with and asked if they wanted to participate as well. It was honestly the most challenging way we've ever celebrated giving at Christmas but definitely the most fulfilling. I weaved a basket! Tori gave Tommy a breakfast date and me a coffee date, Jakeb painted something for Anna's room, Anna gave me a recipe for ice cream sandwiches (one of her favorites) and all the ingredients along with it so we could make them together. I gave Jakeb a driving trip to Pearland (him driving since he got his permit) with a stop at Starbucks, of course. Tommy made my dad some rockin' glazed and seasoned pecans that we got from our huge Texan-sized pecan trees in our yard. We had such a good time thinking, planning and giving. With what we saved and what family members gave, we were able to give a substantial donation to water projects through Living Water International. We gave the donation online on Christmas morning together as a family. It was pretty cool.

Giving as we did last year opened all of our eyes to how consumeristic we are and honestly, how greedy we are. But it also opened our eyes to how thoughtful we can be and how fun and fulfilling giving can be. It was a great Christmas. We've tweeked it a little for this year but we are still focusing heavily on giving or making gifts that are meaningful. No one is getting a toaster or waffle iron this year. :)

Consider Christmas with us this year as to how you will buy and give. Let me encourage you to plan your budget, write it all down, it's amazing how much money we spend this time of year and most of us don't even know what we've spent until the dust settles. It's not wrong to spend money, we have been blessed and there's nothing wrong with spending but as you consider this over the next few weeks, my guess is that while you're out shopping, you'll see a few things that turn your stomach. We are generally a greedy and materialistic society.

Consider buying meaningful gifts or making them. Even though making a gift often costs the same if not more than buying something, and it takes alot of time, it is a way better gift. Consider buying gifts that help others around the world. Or consider matching what you've budgeted for Christmas with a gift to an organization of your choice.

More than anything, consider Christ this Christmas. I believe He'd say give of yourself everytime. Spend time with those you love. Give memories that won't end up in a storage building or a garage sale next spring.