What the...? I mean, when did Christmas ever become not about the presents?! My mom made the above comment to me recently along with this one: "What I'm hearing you say is that it's not really about you getting presents so much as it's about you giving presents." Um... nooo. Who doesn't like to get presents?! I love getting presents!! And I love giving presents!! I just like presents!
Now, I don't like extravagance and crazy mall shopping or the thought of people going into debt over Christmas presents. What I do like is a little bit of shopping in some quaint little stores, creatively and thoughtfully finding gifts that I know will be PERFECT for the people I chose them for, teaching my children how to be creative, thoughtful and generous, teaching my children how to appreciate the creativity and thoughtfulness of someone else's gift to them, buying the $10 tank tops on-line for someone else because who wouldn't love them as much as you do?, making special gifts that create lasting memories, opening a present that you never thought you wanted but is absolutely perfect.... who doesn't love all those things? Christmas is about giving! It includes the smallest of gifts - like a batch of cookies for your neighbor - and the greatest of gifts - like the gift of Jesus to the world!
And, here's another thought - what joy would there be in giving presents if there wasn't some bright, shining face on the other end to receive it?! There would be none! This is why I hate all these ways that people have come up with in order to not give gifts - gift exchanges, gift games, drawing names, no gifts at all - just "being together" (gag me).... Have we all become so lazy and uncreative that we can't go out and buy a little ornament or pair of socks or cozy shirt or box of stationary or basket of fruit or EVEN BETTER - summer sausage and cheese (you know you love it) or good book or new cd or bottle of lotion.... you get the picture. If you need ideas let me know - I am way good at this. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money - usually it just has to be something you would like to receive and you think someone else might like to receive. And how about this for a thought? If you don't want to buy a present for someone? DON'T!! That's even worse - a present bought out of obligation? OR - this is a really novel idea - even if you don't feel like giving a present how about just giving something little and from the heart that would BLESS someone? A hand-made-and-painted-by-your-kids ornament? A Christmas mix cd. A Starbucks gift card - WHO DOESN'T LOVE THAT?! And they even come in those cute little stockings this year! Ok, somebody stop me.
And while we're on the topic of presents - take a read at this one... and this one. See what I mean?
It is SO about the presents people!
And for your viewing enjoyment - recent pictures of three of my most favorite presents of all time.
5 comments:
Ooooo Giiirrlll!
LOVE that post!
And yes. I love summer sausage and cheese. And I'm NOT afraid to admit it! I mean, who doesn't love fatty meat, I ask you?!
I may be calling on you for some help!
xoxo,
martha
Summer sausage...cheese...Ritz crackers...that sounds so good right now.
I loved this post too. And you're right...I just can't bring myself to say that Christmas isn't about gifts. If it's not then I've been spending WAY too much time shopping.
I'm so glad that you decided to go up and take pictures of Steelio's first time in skis. And seriously?! I'm not sure I've seen anything cuter. Except maybe Adia in the train hat. Love it.
I LOVE those pictures of the fam up in the snow! I am glad you decided to go too. Seriously, Steele on skis is too much!
And, for the record... you are a really good gift giver! :)
I have really good memories of my parents bringing us to the mall and we would split up (me and dad, Cherie and mom etc) and pick out a gift for the parent with whom we were not. And then switch. Lipstick for mom... a tool for dad...
I always felt so grown up. And then I could NOT wait to give them the gift. Unfortunately, I often told them what I got them (I was that excited about it). Good times.
Hey Cutzi,
I heard my nephews have been taking an active role in supporting Steele's potty training process.
My mom described it for me and it sounds like it was hysterical.
If you are far apart, "being together" is definitely the best present.
Hopefully I will get to see you guys over the holidays and see how much Steele and Adia have grown.
-Helen
I thought of the perfect gift for Pat this year: I'm filling out the paperwork (which he hates doing) for his firefighter license plates for his motorcycle. It's probably the best gift idea I've ever had for him because it isn't expensive, but it's something he really wants and wouldn't expect me to do for him.
I've been trying to be more creative this year and spend less money! I find that the years we spend more money it's because we don't take the time to be creative and think of ways to really get people things that are special.
I'm keeping up with your blog, I promise!
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