Our taxi is not totally clean
12.17.2010 
In fact, not many toys in our house are clean. Most things have some level of crud on them. Slobber, dried food, you name it.
I was sitting on the couch last night relaxing, something I do not often do. My husband was at a movie with a friend. The boys were in bed. I looked around the room at the toys that were sitting out, and, aside from realizing that most of them were dirty, I realized how incredibly blessed we are. Our boys have everything they need, and then some. It is so important to me that they understand how blessed they are, how blessed we are.
Since having children, I have struggled with Christmas. All of the expectations surrounding this season make me feel heavy. It becomes so easy to lose sight of what is truly important, and I hate that. I don't want that for my family.
We make an effort to do good deeds for others, especially this time of year, to detract from the "I wants" that we see all around us. I want Christmas to be fun for our boys, and I'm confident that it is, but that doesn't mean we have to shower them with a ridiculous amount of gifts. And we don't. That is not what Christmas is about. It is about Jesus! And celebrating him!
So this is a little reminder to myself to keep focused on that because truly, it is the only thing that matters.
Reader Comments (2)
Totally agree! One thing I swear i will make a priority for my baby..she will know what Christmas is really about. I can't believe some of the kids nowadays..6 years old and asking for 300 dollar Ipods! ARGH!
One of my favorite things my Aunt used to do with us was we'd bake Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas Eve. Seriously- i looked forward to it more than the presents. Definately something I will do!
Love you- And the boys. And Dan. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas
Amen to that post! Paul and I will be standing with you and Dan against the insanity of entitlement that so many parents perpetuate in their kids! So when your kids or our kids complain that everyone else gets more and bigger gifts we will be pointing out that Sammy and Elijah don't!!! Thank you for your example!!