I read a really thoughtful and insightful post over at Tales from a Happy Home, where Gillian noted that she noted the Christmas countdowns as they tended to make her feel panicked about Christmas looming ever closer.
The thing is Christmas is not supposed to be a time of stress and strain or panic, but it is for many mum’s. We are often the ones that keep the family ticking over whilst ensuring that everything is organised, made, purchased, wrapped and plans made.
But I had an epiphany the year my mum died and realised that for me life is about the people I spent it with all year round and especially at Christmas and not what gift we give them on one day of the year.
Christmas also got much less stressful when we stopped buying for adults (apart from the MIL and FIL and that present is from the boys). We do not buy for my brother and his wife or my Brother in Law and his wife. Instead we concentrate on making and buying a gift for our nieces. This really reduces the panic.
Another thing that is really important to me is making sure the boys vision of Christmas is much more than the gifts they receive on Christmas Day. I do this in various ways. Firstly with their Christmas Lists, where they are only allowed to put four items on their list. This means they have to be mindful about their needs and wants. I also insist that they give three toys ech to charity and not toys that are heavily played with either! My spending time with the boys each day over advent doing something off our activity advent calender also ensures that they think a little more about Christmastime and Advent.
I spotted this list on an earlier post of your and it has been the inspiration of a more mindful Christmas for me n my family this year. I am spearheading the campaign, but am pleasantly surprised at how my older boys have got on board with it.
Olly is a bit too youngat three, but I never over indulge when they are little anyway. You don’t need to.
I shall be posting about my thoughts on Christmas soon, and would like to use the above. Obviously all credit wil be due. I find your blog such an inspiring and thought provoking place, so cheers for that.
Leanne xx
Leanne » Oh thank you ever so much for the comment. It really made my day. It is so hard bringing up children today and the pressure of Christmas can be immense.
I think your approach is perfect- we’re heading that way but I think we need to work on it a bit more. Juliex
Julie » It is still hard Julie, as soon as F gets hold of the Argos catalog he highlights all of it! Oh and those TV adverts have something to answer for too, as it is “I need that” once they see things on TV.
I have been telling everyone about your Christmas list rules…I think it’s a brilliant idea! We have stopped buying for Aunties/Uncles and my SIL as we give gifts to her children. I always try to make something and buy a little treat too. I got myself really worked up last year over the cost of everything and realised all my family were the same so it was time to take a step back and re-evaluate. I find your approach to Christmas very refreshing.
Hayley @hayleyfromhome » Oh Thanks Haley. I think that it is so hard nowadays, especially when come boxing day everything is half price! I want my children to appreciate the value of family and not just the cost of gifts. Christmas is for children and I try really hard to make it enjoyable for us all.