We all have lists from our kids. Will Santa bring the list or will we all try to teach our kids that it is not about the gifts, but the meaning of Christmas? What is the meaning of Christmas? When did it become just about the gifts instead of appreciating the memories of loved ones who are gone, friends, and family still here to celebrate such an emotional end of the year.

So many families struggling just to survive, while trying to make kids understand that the gift Santa should have brought, will not appear under the maybe nonexistent tree. Society builds up for Santa to come and as parents we feel guilty telling our kids that Santa does not exist. We are blessed to both have jobs that have not be eliminated yet, but we are not a money tree (tell the president’s administration to help me out with my student loan interest and maybe I will be able to pay them off before I die).

So, we have cut back this year too. Our families have decided to pick names, so we buy 3 gifts instead of for every member of both families. Gifts are important, but taking time to spend with each other is the ultimate goal for our families. We went into our son’s room and had him pick items to re-gift. Many of the items have rarely been used or were still in the wrapper. It was great to see him just smile and say “that’s okay.” We slimmed down his “wish” list too. As parents, we want to give them all they ask for, but he really was okay with making his list smaller. His friends have less than he does, so he is seeing that he is blessed. Our hearts melted when he gave his friend Ben10 game pieces, just like that. He knew his friend loved those pieces and he didn’t play with them that much, so he just gave it to him. It was a moment of time where we felt we had taught him a sense of value. Friendship was more important than some toy you don’t play with anymore. What a lesson to learn? Give people what they need instead of some fake present that should make up for time lost. As Christmas approaches, it becomes less and less about Christ, but for our family; we believe.

We wish you all those little lessons our kids give us. We can learn a lot-they are not as selfish as we assume.

DDF