It’s a new year but I cant seem to move on without sharing something I realized this holiday. I used to absolutely love the Christmas season. I still love the lights, the pretty decorated trees, the music, the cuddling, the pine and wintery scents, and definitely love the festivities and food that come with the holidays. Of course, I also celebrate the birth of Christ in this season but this post has nothing to do with that part of the holidays. I have taken some time to ask myself why I have felt less excited about Christmas as the years go by. I have even been a tad bothered at times and today, I’m sharing my conclusion as it took some time to pin point.
As I shopped for gifts, I asked God to direct me…sometimes I felt led to something specific and sometimes I didn’t and I would feel the slight pressure come on. On Christmas morning when I saw posts on Instagram going up or Facebook, it hit me. “Most” of America is super blessed. All the people I know, even the ones considered below average income are beyond blessed. We as a people have more than enough. I saw Christmas trees loaded with gifts. Children, even the little ones with all types of notebooks, iPads, phones, sneakers, boots, clothes and so forth. Some get gifts double and triple from family and other friends. Is there anything that we really really need? Our closets are usually full…full of so many options. I myself realized the other day how many winter boots I actually own. Really Evelyn. You need over 10 pairs of boots, different types, different colors, different heights. No, I really don’t.
I remember as a little girl being so excited to get my 2 gifts from my parents and maybe a little something something from my aunt. Let me not forget my $5 bill from my uncle if he happened to swing by. And you better believe I jumped with great joy for $5. Christmas was more about singing and dancing Christmas morning and hearing the Christmas story than receiving tons of gifts, most of them which I wouldn’t really play with anyways after the week was over.
I have decided that when I have children, we’re going to do something different for Christmas. My children will take time to bless a child of their choice, instead of handing me a long excessive Christmas wish list. Don’t get me wrong, I want my children to be blessed but this world of excess is becoming a bit sad to me. I desire for our children in America to be full of love, peace, joy and contentment rather than self. In a time where “selfies” are taking over, I challenge us to be purposeful to look for opportunities to be grateful and be a blessing to others.
Please feel free to share any thoughts or perspective that may help me out, especially parents.
Glory, Grub & Grind 
It was a very gd and great point stated there, i also believe that we all have been more than blessed. Its funny because on Christmas morning my son was very excited after seen all of the gifts under d Christmas tree. As i was pointing to him the gift for him to pick and open, he amazed me with one thing he said… He picked a gift n very excited he was, here it goes, then i suggested for him to pick another one and he says ” no mom, i already got one” ” give one to naly, mom she has none”. That right there showed me that is on us the parents to show them the value and the true meaning of not wanting so much n think selfishly but to also share n be compassionate with n for others. It is not about us only is also about blessing others with what God has blessed us with.
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When I grew up my brother and I had our very own (love or three cushion) sofa filled with toys for Christmas. My moms love language was to give in gifts. She gave us everything we ever wanted. She worked hard for us. Growing up this caused a sense of entitlement for one of us. Knowing that our mother will get us whatever we wanted when she didn’t manipulation occurred. At 25 I’ve noticed the entitlement that still has not left! To nip it in the butt if you will would be best to deal with it at a young age. teaching them about contentment and being a blessing to others is very key. We must teach them to be grateful if not they will feel entitled to it. I see it with my daughter at age four I was trying to give her what I had. I didn’t realize it to this past year (2014) the damage it could do if I continued. So the christmas that just past she got far less and I wasn’t in debt! Lol it’s still a work in progress. It’s a mind shift. It’s a transition for her and myself but I look forward to the next christmas’ to grow in it with the help of the Lord.
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Hello there lovely Ev,
I loved reading this blog, in particular. You are soo right about us as Americans being blessed! Even some of the “poorest” people in our country are considered rich compared to those in third world countries.
I was recently at a women’s breakfast and the speaker shared around Thanksgiving and Christmas, she used to take her 8 children to varies organizations like Ronald Mc Donald house to give back and every Thanksgiving, she had each of her children choose 20 of their most valuable toys/ pieces of clothing to donate to local charities who gave to the needy. I was so touched by hearing these ideas. This not only teaches children how to be givers but most importantly, it teaches them that materialistic items and the latest trenty clothes do not define who we are. I love the idea you have in kind for when you have children.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
–paula
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