some thoughts on Christmas and presents and traditions

**imagine** · 10-12-2010, 10:07 AM

I was thinking about the annual discussion on how many presents, what type of presents, the questions that come from the answers, and how people feel the need to defend the way they do things, especially when it concerns their children.

I think Christmas brings out tradition in people. They like certain things about the holiday others like other things. Everyone has a mental picture in their head on what the prefect Christmas is and they hold that dear. (reminds me of the Aurthur book by Marc Brown Aurthur's Perfect Christmas)

In the Unplug the Christmas machine it asks us to look at what we like the most about the holiday and ask those who celebrate with us what they like. You never know what is special to someone unless you ask

The point is that everyone will see/feel things differently. Everyone will have a different comfort level. Everyone will do things differently.

And that is okay.

We don't have to do things just the way our neighbor does, or the way our FV friends do it. Doing one thing this way doesn't make you more frugal then another. Or doing it this way instead of another doesn't make your Christmas better than someone else's.

Enjoy your Christmas season the way that works for you and those you celebrate with.

**Booklover** · 10-12-2010, 10:30 AM

Hear, Hear! You certainly have a wonderful way with words. Beautifully put. Thank you.

**Momto5RN** · 10-12-2010, 06:35 PM

perfectly put !!!!

**imagine** · 12-16-2010, 10:10 AM

I bumped this up because I know I was in need of this reminder and thought maybe others might as well.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

**imagine** · 10-23-2011, 05:36 PM

Time to bump it up for this Christmas

Enjoy your season planning. Enjoy Christmas the way that works for you and yours

:

**mh3rdwheel** · 10-23-2011, 05:50 PM

I also bump it up, I enjoy the lights, movies, songs and food.

Everyone have a Merry Christma.

**Labontet** · 10-23-2011, 08:28 PM

thanks imagine.

Merry Christmas coming up to you.

**ravenmaniac** · 10-23-2011, 09:12 PM

Thank you for bumping up this thread. My family has decided to focus on doing more together: decorating, movies, baking, reading short stories, etc., and I'm looking into volunteering.

Over the past three years we have worked on enjoying each other's company more instead of hustling around focusing on gifts.

Each year it is getting easier and easier to focus on the season and our family. We are more relaxed and enjoy the celebrations even more.

**Momto5RN** · 10-23-2011, 09:29 PM

i try to focus on the positive .. i have decided to do what i think Jesus would do and believe the best of others - believe that they are just oblivious how things read to others and not really intending to put others down for their choices

that said i am one of those crazy people who LOVE the gift buying - i LOVE the bargain hunting - i dont find it stressful - i dont let the "joneses" drive it . already do more volunteering / donating then we have time for each season and year round have never let the gift giving or commercialism over ride the " real meaning " so i will just carry on as i always have and enjoy our traditions. and wish everyone else a wonderful.. perfect for them holiday .

**grammea** · 10-29-2011, 06:13 PM

Loving some of the threads I'm reading!
Sorry that I posted my overall version of my Christmas celebration over in the cutting down this year post.
It does explain how I feel though and I'm sorry if it landed in the wrong place!
Love being here and reading all your posts!
God bless,
Helen(grammea)

**sjohnson3278** · 10-29-2011, 06:25 PM

This year we will be focusing more on Jesus birth and family. The true meaning of the holidays are just that!

**Determined** · 10-31-2011, 10:51 PM

Love this! AND love Arthur. So true...

**NicJean** · 11-01-2011, 09:33 PM

You know, after six years of being together, I don't think I've ever asked my husband what he likes best about Christmas, what he focuses on as traditions. (Yikes, I'm such a bad spouse!)

For me, my Dad always piled all six of us into the car a couple times before Christmasto go Light-seeing - getting goosebumplies thinking about it. And Christmas Eve service, where everyone's too hot, but so squashed in the pews and can't remove jackets. Oh, and "Silent Night" by candlelight. But there's also decorating the tree - only tree lights on, with carols blaring (after Mom's birthday, the 12th, of course!!). Number of gifts - doesn't matter. What's most important for me is the stocking - and the two or three books behind it! (yes, I'm such a nerd!)

**oheoh's momma** · 11-05-2011, 09:40 PM

Thank u so much that was well said and I was looking froward to bickering. It is about love. For God so loved the world he gave his son. God Bless.

**imagine** · 11-06-2011, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by NicJean

You know, after six years of being together, I don't think I've ever asked my husband what he likes best about Christmas, what he focuses on as traditions.

I always hated the Christmas parade. It was cold. It seemed boring. It was late at night. The traffic back home was yucky. It felt like such a chore.

Then one day I asked the family individualy what they loved doing at Christmas. With eyes all a glow and the hugest smile the very first thing out of Little Miss's mouth was the Christmas parade. I was totally shocked.

Now that I know that it is special to her I don't hate the parade and seeing it through her eyes the parade is a joy,the cold is fun and the traffic well that is just a bit easier to put up with.