December is Here

We can't deny it any longer. Christmas is just around the corner and for many people this year, that is adding stress to their lives and their budgets. Wait! lets rethink things and get them in proper perspective!

What IS Christmas really about? It's the birth of Our Savior, right? The day we set aside to celebrate the most wonderful gift given to mankind by the Almighty Father, Creator of heaven and earth. With that in mind, maybe we can change our focus. He gave US a gift. A great gift, but not one that came wrapped in tissue with ribbons and bows. Rather, it's a gift of forgiveness and love, and still today His gift comes to us, wrapped in that same love. He shared that gift with everyone, and He allows us to feel it through the love of others as they share HIS love with US! Let's consider how we can show His love to others and that isn't just those who are close to us who we know and love. How about that lonely neighbor? The homeless family downtown? The old man in the nursing home who hasn't had company in a year? Isn't THAT what God's love encourages us to do? To share with others so that our lives will give glory to God.

Children loved to be involved in baking, art projects, caroling nights, delivering gifts or goodies, even if all of the these are done to give to 'strangers'. There once was a stranger who came here to give us gifts... tell the story and share His compassion with others.

As far as the gift giving and hustle and bustle of home, this Christmas, can we rethink our 'normal'? There is no happiness in giving a gift that has just put you deeper in debt, or caused your child to go without that pair of shoes they need, or has caused an argument between you and your spouse. Our normal (as a country) has often been the bigger the gift, the brighter the bow, the more expensive the price tag, somehow seems to equate how much love is behind it. That is a lie that we've come to believe. What really is love? Isn't it often spelled T I M E? and how much does T I ME cost? It's something that is priceless, that cannot be bought, but is given to us each day in one second increments. Let's use it wisely... and think how we can use it this Christmas to show the love that we want to show to our dear ones.

For children, this Christmas doesn't have to be one full of packages, shopping, and the 'best' that is advertised. How about deciding on that one gift for each child ( and can you find it used? Craigslist? SecondHand stores? Advertise on Freecycle) and then explain to your child that you'll be 'doing' fun things together this year instead of having a lot of gifts. What child doesn't enjoy baking cookies? Making hard candy suckers? Decorating? How about starting an advent tradition? Have an evening of playing games by candle light? Are there free activities offered in your area? ( near us is the Journey to Bethlehem (you can go and experience what it was like that night so long ago) and also the Christmas Ships)

Over the years I've collected little children's books about Christmas. The little ones love to have them read to them over and over during the few weeks that they are out each year.

If you can't find anything in your area, how about planning something? We've taken different countries each year and studied how they celebrate this season. (It's more fun to do this with a few families... each family takes one country, ( if you have older kids, let them do their own) and then plan a final 'program night') On that last night, we have supper made with recipes from what they eat in those countries, we often have one or two decorations that they would have, sing their carols, etc. (Want to do something interesting? Celebrate Christmas as they do in Australia!)

We often take the children out for a ride to see the lights. The whole evening is spent enjoying the light displays. At times we've ended up somewhere to have an ice cream cone, ( or we've packed out own in a cooler and made them in the car) or sipped a hot chocolate at some over look spot.

How about your own sing a long? A group of teens would love a place to gather... provide the cookies and juice, a pile of song sheets, and for later, a stack of games. They'll appreciate it and you'll enjoy getting to know these young adults.

Younger children think it so special to have a night out with just Dad. If you're going to do some shopping, make it a special time, not a time of rushing and hurry. Talk about it, plan it, make it happen, and celebrate the time that you have to spend together.

We've often done a 'secret pal' for the weeks in December. Everyone draws a name and for that week, we have a secret pal that we are doing things for. It's so fun to watch the delight in little sisters eye if she could sneak up and make a bed, straighten a room, leave a note, do a chore, etc. It's good for the children to have time to think of others, instead of just being focused on the ME.

For older kids, again, it's called T I M E. Plan a time to invite their friends over doing the activity of your teens choice. Stay up late with them just sipping hot cider and playing a game or visiting. Most teens like the quiet of Christmas time. It seems that there is something cozy about it that draws the heart closer to home, even if they are normally the type to have to be busy all the time.

For yourself and spouse... plan some quiet times at home, or a walk in the quiet falling snowflakes... ( well... in the drizzle if you're in NW Washington) or maybe this is the time to search for coupons and splurge with a dinner out. Even a dinner out can be done so very frugally with proper planning. We've had a tradition over the years of 'tea time' where we just send everyone to bed early with books, toys, whatever, and we find a quiet spot to enjoy our tea and each others company. In the busyness that just seems to come with Christmas, we need to relax and enjoy the love of each other.

How about planning ( that seems to be the key in saving money - no matter what area you talk about! Plan!) some time where you or your spouse can just do exactly what they want to do? Read a book, a hot bath? time with a friend? Talk to your spouse and ask them what would be special to them, then make it happen.

These are just a few ideas of how we can enjoy this season without spending money, but I know there are hundreds more out there. How about sharing them with us?

For more ideas, go to lifeasmom to see her post and a whole list of other blogs with frugal Christmas gift giving ideas.