tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post26096132633154630..comments2023-05-19T01:13:38.607-08:00Comments on Mindful Serenity: Reconsidering Christmas GiftsJennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01279308378287322473noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post-6762104362632967142009-12-02T22:02:12.547-09:002009-12-02T22:02:12.547-09:00Just wanted to say hello! I've been following...Just wanted to say hello! I've been following your blog for a while. Congrats on your newest blessing. <br /><br />The Christmas presents idea is a good one!Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04557420669888183486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post-87995527115795080002009-12-01T08:36:25.306-09:002009-12-01T08:36:25.306-09:00We do not celebrate Christmas in our household tho...We do not celebrate Christmas in our household though we are Christians. Our religious beliefs go back to the early years of the Christian church before Catholicism came into being and back then, the Biblical Holy Days were still followed so that is what we focus on. Gift giving is done during the Feast of Tabernacles which is during September/October and actually was probably when Christ was born. Christmas in and of itself, (especially when it is celebrated) is based more on pagan holidays. The Christmas tree especially has a bit of a sordid history so that is a big no-no in our household.<br /><br />It hasn't always been easy to understand this, coming from a Catholic, Christmas celebrating family myself but I did eventually come to understand why it was such an issue for my husband and for other members of his church. But, to each their own. Fortunately, my daughter's birthday is in December so I can still spoil her during that time of the year.Janeenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12085755609836623027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post-71498280035360973412009-11-30T12:54:32.003-09:002009-11-30T12:54:32.003-09:00I love the idea of Santa's gift being the smal...I love the idea of Santa's gift being the small or stocking stuffer gift. Every year I try really hard to make Christmas more about Christ and less about Santa, but at the same time I know my girls are still young enough to believe in Santa and be upset if they don't get a Santa gift. We have also done a Secret Santa in the past for a family in need to help with the message that it's better to give.Destinyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00141699304044544668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post-87654510013106202532009-11-30T12:47:43.240-09:002009-11-30T12:47:43.240-09:00My extended family draws names every year. The adu...My extended family draws names every year. The adult names in one hat, kids names in another.<br />Last year we drew names the previous Christmas that way everyone could have all year to find the perfect gift... I was the only person who took all year "getting" the gift...I actually still haven't finished it (I made my aunt a quilt). <br />This year we decided to "re-gift." It has to be something nice, that you already have in your home, that you don't have room for, doesn't match your decor, whatever. I really like this idea, because it's saving us money, and it's teaching the children in our family that it really is the thought that counts and not the money spent.Christahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06700383690878839987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post-14080286330467869432009-11-30T12:02:55.223-09:002009-11-30T12:02:55.223-09:00We aren't doing Santa at all, we have decided....We aren't doing Santa at all, we have decided. This year, however, we are trying something new. We are doing three spiritual gifts (three gifts of the wise men) which can be books, music, church or family oriented gifts. Then we get one gift that is something we want that doesn't fit into the spiritual category. Except...we are finding that our spiritual gifts are more expensive than we anticipated, so I think we will only end up with two each. (But they are all worth it!)<br /><br />Also, I am making Bug a quiet book for church that has different fabrics/textures and buttons, zippers, pockets, etc. It's the only homemade gift I am doing this year, really. So, I hope it turns out!Malloryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04991788960863652000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post-25040880890807679422009-11-30T09:53:06.767-09:002009-11-30T09:53:06.767-09:00This post is perfect for me right now, as my only ...This post is perfect for me right now, as my only little boy is 18 months and we have another on the way. I know this is my opportunity to make Christmas traditions that are managable, and meaningful. I love your idea, though it probably won't quite work for us till the kiddies are just a little older and there are at least a couple of them. Thanks also for the other ideas. I'd never heard of the 3 or 4 gift rule, and the cute little sayings. I've just been thinking something like, 1 biggish gift, one smallish gift, and stocking stuffers. My sis-in-law does the "santa only does stocking stuffers" thing. My in-law family is not super big on santa anyway, and the more i think about it, the more i agree with them. Anyways, thanks for all your great posts!megandjonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10887251146602171261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551466722529127235.post-53589543570442303942009-11-30T08:45:27.701-09:002009-11-30T08:45:27.701-09:00Good ideas. Rick and I have discussed a lot how w...Good ideas. Rick and I have discussed a lot how we want our Christmas gift-giving to go. We both are not big gift-givers and don't need gifts to feel loved (though, I recognize there are those who show love and feel loved through gifts) so it's always a little stressful for me to think of gifts. I'll definitely consider these ideas when we have children (hopefully soon, we have been chosen as adoptive parents, yeah!).BonnieKayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04094299945502415937noreply@blogger.com