All I Want For Christmas This Year

Anna
Anna

Michelle, what are you getting your kids for Christmas this year? I need some new ideas. ?I’m so tired of the toys that are only played with for one day and left to clutter up the floor!

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

You are asking the WRONG person. I look around my house and I can hardly think of anything because we already have more than enough!

Michelle
Anna
Anna

Us too. So I start thinking – what do they NEED? — OK, they need socks (always) , and coats, but they will not love opening that up on Christmas morning…?

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Ha. True. Isn’t it funny how when you get old like us you actually love practical gifts? Like, did you know I am asking for a vacuum for Christmas?! 

Michelle
Anna
Anna

I LOVE vacuums!

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Haha, spoken like a true mom. Or maybe better yet – I love [when my kids use] vacuums! ?

Michelle
Anna
Anna

Well, that is very true too! It warms my heart to see my kids vacuuming! Hahaha #buildingcharacteroneflooratatime

But seriously, WHAT am I going to do about Christmas? I mean, it’s December 4 and all I have to show for it so far is one LOL Surprise Ball. ? Why am I dragging my feet so much…? I guess I need some Christmas spirit. #bahhumbug

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Well, I think it’s because of what you said at first. It’s hard to find the purpose in going to all of the effort when it may not be needed or truly wanted–well, for more than a week, ya know?!

Michelle
Anna
Anna

I do. R.I.P. Trolls figurines — the hot toy from last year and there it sits in the bottom of the toy box now…

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Haha. ?S o I do have an idea but I’m curious with what you think because maybe this wouldn’t speak to all kids?

Michelle
Anna
Anna

DO TELL! I’m all ears!

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

What if instead of giving gifts you give quality time together?

I know it’s out of the box but I had the idea last year because I am realizing Sophie feels love most of all when I spend time with her. She likes gifts but it’s not what truly makes her feel filled up. And isn’t that one of our major goals?

 

Michelle
Anna
Anna

That is SO smart of you, just thinking about how Sophie feels most loved.

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Well, but parenting is so funny because Ellie may be the opposite and love giving and getting gifts! ? So I think it’s about knowing your child and finding a balance – what do you think?

Michelle
Anna
Anna

I think you’re right, and balance is exactly what I am longing for, deep down… Like a good balance of family experiences, enrichment kinds of things (like getting Ashton cake pans because we want to encourage her interest in baking), and a couple of those hot toy kinds of things.

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

YES. So would you give experiences as a gift? Just trying to think about how this would work? ?

Michelle
Anna
Anna

Well, my husband was talking about taking the kids snow-tubing for a day. They’ve never done that before. He was even saying we might take them out of school for a day (my former teacher self is having a heart attack uttering those words), but we rarely take vacations, so that would be really special.

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Haha, but I think those are the things they would really remember and appreciate, you know?

Michelle
Anna
Anna

Yes! And the memory would last longer than one week (or even one year)!?

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Could you get them gear for some of the experiences or something? Just thinking out loud.

Michelle
Anna
Anna

Ohhhh… I hadn’t thought of that, but I love that idea!!! Like they need waterproof gloves! ?

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

And maybe when they see the gloves in the future it would remind them of their time together growing closer as a family…

Michelle
Anna
Anna

Yes! Growing closer as a family is all that I want for Christmas this year. ?

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

Aw, I think all moms would say the same thing. Well, that and a little rest. ☺️ But seriously, this really hit me because it is reminding me WHY are we doing what we’re doing? Are we just giving gifts because that’s what we do? Maybe it’s time to think what do we want the end result to be and then work backwards?

Michelle
Anna
Anna

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Seriously, thanks for helping me get unstuck!! I feel like I know which direction I’m headed in now, and I can talk to my hubby about it.

Anna
Michelle
Michelle

This was so helpful for me to chat with you about too! Now to pause and ask God –  How can we grow closer as a family this Christmas? I’m pretty sure He has some good ideas! ☺️

Michelle

Soaking in the Truth

Scripture to encourage you:

  • “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34
  • “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10

Music to inspire you:

  • Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant
  • Get into the Christmas spirit by playing festive songs with your kids, while you are driving, doing chores, or just hanging out together. We’re working on putting together a Christmas playlist for you, so if you have a favorite song hop on the Facebook post a couple of days ago and add your suggestion!

Readings and Resources to come alongside of you:

Related Posts on Texting The Truth:

Living Out the Truth

Ideas to try:

Family Experiences Brainstorming List!

  • Museum passes – Gift: something from the museum gift shop
  • Zoo passes – Gift: binoculars, a camera, or a stuffed animal
  • Tickets to the theatre – Gift: something theme-related to that musical/show
  • Tickets to a professional football game – Gift: football
  • Weekend camping trip – Gift: a new tent or sleeping bag, a special flashlight
  • For LOTS more ideas, check out this blog.

Thinking backwards from the goal… What do you want/hope the experience will foster in your family?

  • Experience to try something new
  • Experience to laugh
  • Experience to give back to others
  • Experience to foster teamwork

You don’t necessarily have to GO somewhere to have a family experience. What are some ways you can create those family experiences at home?

  • Family Game Nights – rotate who gets to pick the game
  • Ice Cream Sundae Sundays – have contests for who can build the best sundae
  • Movie Night – put together a movie basket with snacks, new movies, and a comfy blanket
  • Painting Night – get everyone a small canvas and paints to share
  • Bike the Neighborhood – make sure everyone has a bike and helmet for Christmas

 

{These suggestions are ideas from novice moms. Sometimes our life situations need more. In that case, seeking out professional help is the right call.}

 

About Michelle Warner

The truth about me is that I love spending time with people–whether it be with moms in MOPS, students in writing camps, friends in my supper club, or family on our patio. And if you combine people and words, I am definitely in my happy place. One of my most favorite moments is sitting around a table with the people I love sharing deep conversations about life. Inviting people into our home and pulling out my fancy dishes invigorates me, though tackling the hand-wash pile in my sink does quite the opposite. (Sorry, Hubby. I’ll get to those soon!) I’m learning to enjoy the people in my life without feeling the need to prove myself or always make them happy. God continues to teach me that when I find what I need in Him rather than the perfectly-cooked chicken or the perfectly-timed word, I have a security that can’t be shaken. And that’s a good thing since my hard-working husband and I have two very determined little girls who keep us on our toes!