Holiday Tradition: 4 Gifts

In an effort to move away from the commercialism and "gimmies" that Christmas in America brings, Jason and I decided a few years ago to only buy our children four gifts for Christmas each year.  The kids get spoiled rotten by grandparents and family and they already have too much stuff so we began looking for a way to simplify Christmas and make it more CHRIST focused than THEM focused.  When my great friend Katie told me about this four gift idea, I jumped at it.  Not only does it teach the kids that Christmas isn't just about presents, it makes shopping way, WAY easier.  So if anyone is looking for ideas on how to simplify Christmas (or maybe you're ahead of us and just sit back and smile when people around you "get it"), here is what we do...

HEART - this gift is THE gift that sends our kiddos over the moon.   All year long we pay attention to the wishes and likes of what each child is into.  We ask them over and over what is the one thing you think you want for Christmas throughout the year.  On Christmas morning, this is the gift that brings a ton of excitement and is the last one they open each year.  Its a toy or item that is truly a heart's desire to have and we are usually more than happy to oblige (now when they are 16 and that heart's desire is a car, we'll likely have to change the song a bit... Or get them a Matchbox...)

SOUL - You got it, this item is something that increases their spiritual growth.  Worship CDs, books, Bible, puzzles, etc that are centered around the soul/spirit. 

MIND - This item is something that stimulates their brains.  Certain video games, puzzles, board games, hand held activities, crafts, etc are what fall into this category.

BODY - New clothes it is!  A complete new outfit that I know they will love comes in this box and while its not nearly exciting as the Heart box, it still usually gets some smiles. :)

When we first started doing this four gift idea, we took a lot of flack from others who like to "go all out" on Christmas.  Truth be told with four kids going all out isn't an option financially.  Christmas would be out of control expensive if we didn't set boundaries.  Not only that, our kids would be focused on the wrong thing at Christmas and I really didn't want that to be the case.   Others have asked if our kids feel cheated or that they don't get much for Christmas.  My answer is NO.  Like I mentioned before, they get spoiled by others (although I am trying to curb that as well) and we make sure they fully understand why we do what we do.  Communication is key.  This year it was fantastic because as the kids made their wish lists, they did with these categories in mind. They would say things like, "Can you get me this or this for my mind?"  Or "Would this be a good soul gift?"  It was so special to see that they have bought into the tradition and don't expect it to change. And for the record, Jason and I only get four gifts as well.  (They also draw names and buy for each other but those and their tiny stockings don't count in our mix.)

I should mention that we do go "all out" for birthdays.  We have decided that one day a year, we can totally focus on and spoil that child to our heart's content (and theirs).  While there are still boundaries, they aren't as strict as the Christmas ones and the kids have learned that Birthdays are super special.  This in turn circles back to Christmas and why we make a big deal about Jesus' birth, etc.  LOVE that it all works out so well.

So here is to simple Christmases, less stress, and joyous giving.  Instead I will love focusing of my precious husband, sweet children, fantastic family and most importantly my wonderful Savior.