christmas seems to arrive earlier and earlier, while it seems that i begin my prep later and later. it's november 29 and i'm pretty sure i'm the only one on the planet without lights on the house, decorations displayed and a tree in place. i didn't go out shopping on black friday and don't plan to take part in cyber monday. i'm not a scrooge or grinch, i like christmas and all that december brings, i just like to enjoy thanksgiving to it's fullest. my goal by the weekend is to at least have a shopping list in place. maybe i won't feel so behind this way.
when they were little we explained the story of Jesus' birth and began giving the kids three gifts each. that's how many Jesus received. since it's His birthday we celebrate, why should we get any more? this gives the kids realistic expectations and gives us limitations in shopping.
when levi was about 3 years old we were driving down the street and i, once again was reminding him of the birth story and why he would receive three gifts. when i explained to him what jesus received after His birth, levi said, "myrrh? myrrh? why didn't jesus get a bike?" that year, levi got a bike.
as the kids have gotten a little bit older, they still receive three gifts at christmas. as we drive down the road we still talk about the story of the birth.
now, to start that shopping list...
