Contemplating Christmas...

Last year at this time, I was rubbing my pregnant belly, cherishing a sweet little kick and dreaming about how much fun things would be in a year with an eight-month-old crawling around our Christmas tree.  Now that she's here, I am so loving this season with her. And I know that as the years go by, things are only going to get better.

But,  y'all.  I am seriously struggling with how to approach Christmas with a child.

Because I have the most wonderful childhood memories of Christmas.  We didn't have a whole lot of traditions set in stone, but we always decorated a tree.  (One year, my dad and I picked ornaments to match my pee-wee basketball team's colors.  Teal and purple probably weren't a super obvious choice for most, but we rocked it.)  We always got to open one present early on Christmas Eve after we got home from my great grandma's house.  And even when my parents didn't have a lot to spend, we got goodies in our stockings (although I do remember being a little confused when I found oranges and walnuts instead of toys at the bottom of the stocking during a year that had been particularly tight - ha!). 

I was enthralled with the magic of Santa and marveled at how he could make it down every chimney in the world in one night.  And I loved listening for reindeer hooves on the roof as I tried my darndest to fall asleep so that morning could get there faster.

And I want that magic for Grace, too, because I loved it so.  

But honestly?  

It seems nearly impossible to perpetuate the spectacle that Christmas has become and still honor Christ at the same time.

I know that some of you incredible mamas manage it, but I'm really having a hard time with it.

Because I know I've said it before, but we have so much, y'all.  Every single one of us.  If you're reading this post on a computer or your cell phone, you're unquestionably rich by any real standard.  You probably have a full pantry, a closet full of clothes, and more stuff than you know what to do with.  I know that I do.

And I keep having this image flash through my mind of Grace at age 8, surrounded by a ridiculous pile of presents, tearing through each package in a blind fury, surrounding herself with even more stuff, and still very likely being unsatisfied at the end of it all.

Because isn't that what happens?  Isn't that exactly what every celebrity in Hollywood experiences on a daily basis?  And aren't our January credit card bills evidence that we've all sort of bought into the lie that more stuff equals more happiness?

I. Just. Cannot. Handle. It.

When I think about the fact that 80% of the world's population lives on less than $10 a day, the mounds of presents under my Christmas tree seem more than a little silly.

So I'm trying to figure out how to do less... and more at the same time.

Less stuff.  More Jesus.

I certainly don't want to ruin the magic of Christmas.  This time of year is so beautiful and magical, and I want Grace to have memories of Christmas lights and hot cocoa and the thrill of Christmas morning.  But above all else, I want her to know why we celebrate.  I want her to see Jesus and to appreciate the beauty of Advent.  And I want her to understand the importance of giving.  Giving to those who truly need things way more important than iPads and Vera Bradley.  Like this.  Or this.

I'm not entirely sure how we get there.  I feel sure it will be a struggle each and every year to avoid becoming entangled in the decorations and parties and shopping.  But here are a just few things I'm thinking about that I think might narrow my focus in the right direction.

Skip presents for extended family.  This year, Micah and I aren't exchanging gifts with either of my parents or with my brother and sister-in-law.  We decided that what was essentially becoming an exchange of gift cards (none of us are particularly good gift-givers) was just silly.  Instead, we're all pooling the money that we would have spent on one another and directing that money to a real need.  This year, it's a pair of teenage girls that we know.  Next year, it might be here.  Or some other worthy cause.

Fewer presents for kids.  I like Jen Hatmaker's approach:  "Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read, and something to give."  That does away with the mile-long wish lists but still gives children something to look forward to.

Less Santa.  Look, I'm not declaring war on Santa.  And I don't think we will end up doing without him altogether (although I totally get why some parents go that route).  But I really don't want that big red suit to be the focus of Grace's anticipation and excitement.  Because the true magic of Christmas has nothing to do with and is so much more incredible than reindeer.  So we're thinking maybe just having one present be from Santa.

Celebrate Advent.  We didn't put up our A Meaningful Christmas ornaments this year because Grace is too young to get it, but I'm regretting that now because Micah and I sure aren't.  I think spending some time each night to talk about the Christmas miracle is such a fantastic way to create buildup for the grand finale - Jesus's birthday!*  I'm on the hunt for an Advent calendar, as well.

And hey.  I'm not trying to be a Grinch, and I'm not judging anyone who thinks I'm a crazy lady and wants to continue to exchange gifts and celebrate in the traditional way.  This has just been on my heart, and I wanted to share with you in case you might be feeling the same way.

So what do you guys think?  How do you honor Christ as you go about the holidays?

* And yes, I realize that December 25 wasn't Jesus's actual birthday.