Parenting Under the Stars

April from Life as a Christian Woman asks, “How do you achieve a balance between the two?”

The purpose of Christmas to me is to celebrate Jesus’ birth and to spend time with family and friends. Somehow, that seems to get lost in the shuffle with the mad rush at the malls and the “buy more stuff” pressure.

I don’t enjoy the competitive clamoring or try to keep up with buying someone an expensive gift anymore just because they have for my children or me. For one it’s not possible and for another I figure if they are a true friend or family member they will still love us regardless of what thing we as a family present.

Debt

One person I know hands out checks to everyone dated in January. I would be just as happy with a card, a coffee cup, or even a hug and think it’s sad that someone feels it necessary to break themselves to the extent that they’re still paying for it months later. Not that I haven’t been there. A few years ago, we put on quite the show but paid dearly for it for many months after. For what? If someone truly puts value on a person to be how much money or things they can produce, what sort of friend is that? They’re not and if that’s all they want, then you’re simply a mark to them.

Memories

Some of my fondest memories are of our family getting together, telling stories, singing carols, creating ornaments, sharing meals and playing games. I don’t even remember what most of them gave me over the years. Stuff I do remember is my aunt making us flannel nighties and my mom knitting some gorgeous sweaters. Other things that I treasure are photographs because they represent those memories and I can look at them and laugh and cry and treasure those times with loved ones. Here’s one of my eldest daughter who’s all grown up now. We still have fun baking and making crafts together, although there’s a few more kids to join in on the fun now.

Handmade Gifts

In the craft section here you can find some fun crafts to create with your family either as ornaments or presents.

I continue to learn and am not perfect but our family is going greener as well so the less packaging and the more handmade stuff the better. My children are not always thrilled about such things so they will still receive some sort of gadget. You can check out Globally Green Living for some earth friendly holiday gift ideas.

• You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. –Charles Haddon Spurgeon