This year will be different. I will be organized. I will not overspend. I will not go overboard.
Have you said these same things to yourself around this time of year as Christmas begins creeping up? What ended up happening? If you are like me, you ended up impulse shopping a week before Christmas in fear that you have not bought enough and that the stockings perhaps won’t be full to the brim.
And that basically Christmas will be ruined.
And it will all be your fault.
Moms, do you even remember most of the items you gave/received last year? Do you think your kids do? When I thought about that it made me realize that this year less could truly be more. Perhaps if I am more intentional with my gift giving, next year we will be able to actually recall the items we exchanged.
And let’s try to remember in the midst of all this what the meaning of Christmas actually is.
While our kids might not believe in the idea that less could be more, it’s our job to shape their view of this holiday and the memories that come from it. As much fun as the gift portion is, I honestly just love the traditions like matching pajamas or always ordering Chinese food on Christmas Eve even though nobody knows exactly how or when that tradition started.
Here is what I am vowing to do this year. Okay, rather, what I am going to try really, really hard to actually do.
- Something you WANT
- Something you NEED
- Something to WEAR
- Something to READ
Yes, four presents.
Stockings will be separate and my kids like buying something for each other so that will be separate as well. But ultimately I will strive to be organized in my thoughts around each present knowing it is not going to be about the quantity of how many are wrapped under the tree.
To my surprise, when I told my kids the plan for this year, they didn’t push back. They are only four and seven so I think perhaps complaints would be louder if they were older. But their reaction was excitement as they began thinking of things they might get in each of these “categories”.
This year will be different. I will be organized. I will not overspend. I will not go overboard.
Moms, wish me luck as I attempt to practice what I preach this year.
What are some ways you are trying to change up your holiday this year in order to not go overboard? We’d love to hear!
It’s not about the amount of money you have, but rather how you choose to manage it. Crown Financial Ministries has some great, FREE resources available to AllMomDoes readers looking for some financial guidance, whether in a season of plenty or a season of want – check them out here!
