By Kelly Bridgewater
Couple of years ago, I hunted and shopped for the perfect gift for my three boys. I start
in the summer. Maybe find some things at Yard Sales, which I LOVE buying
clothes at. (I have found ALL my boys' clothes there. They wear name brand
clothes that I pay only $1 for a pair of pants and shirts. Love this!)
Anyways, I glance at the clearance section for toys and
shoes. Anything for a bargain. My husband and I agreed when we first started
buying presents for our boys that the limit would be $100 per child for
Christmas. Either one big present or tons of little ones. Of course, when they
were little. This meant more presents under the tree. Now as an
seventeen-year-old, fourteen-year-old, and an eleven-year-old, they have moved
onto bigger and more expensive items. But the budget stays the same.
Last year and this year, we have decided not to purchase
gifts for the boys. It saves a lot of headache at Christmas, but as a family,
we spend more time doing things together. Making Christmas cookies for the
neighbors. Writing Christmas letters and cards to friends and family who don't
live close. Play board games on the weekends. Watch Christmas movies. Even sit
and read with the Christmas lights on and Christmas music playing. Sometimes
just sit in the dark with the tree lights on and talk. Christmas has been about
making memories, not what is found under the tree. Yes, they will have one
small present, but I want to make memories. I hated when they couldn't tell me
six month later what they received the past Christmas.
 |
So we have decided to purchase a ticket to an event which is
unique to each child. They will attend said event with both parents but no
other sibling. We take them to dinner and then attend the event.
My boys
actually can't wait to see what event they are spending time with their parents
is. They really look forward to that day.
It makes me happy too because they can tell me years later
about that night and their favorite parts.
What about you? Do you do anything that is different for
Christmas? Something to make the time of the year more special for your family?
No comments:
Post a Comment