Christmas is fast approaching, and so is the pressure to buy, buy, buy. This year, we are doing just 4 presents.
Over the past few years, we have changed our perspective on gift-giving and simplified it.
We have 2 little boys and then 4 older kids who are all married and have blessed us with 3 grandchildren. So all together, that is 15 family members to buy for, and we need to add one more with grandbaby number 4 on the way!
Christmas can become overwhelming with buying gifts. I love to give gifts, but don’t want to add to more junk. Rather, I want to be intentional with what I buy for those that I love. We’ve done the experience gifts and loved that. What a great way to make the gift-giving season last longer with a concert to look forward to or a zoo membership to use all year. We’ve done the matching outfit or pajama routine and I love this, but with our kids spread out all over the country, it can be disappointing if not everyone is together to matchy-match. We’ve gone the gift card route, and I do like this. It seems a bit impersonal, but it works.
A friend told me that her mother asked each family member to fill out a spreadsheet of all of their favorite things, from candy to toothpaste to household supplies, make-up, personal hygiene preferences, and other favorites in all areas. This smart momma shopped all year and filled boxes for each person brimming with all of their favorites. This was one of my friend’s most favorite gifts of the holiday season. I need to try this; what a joy to have a box full of supplies you need but don’t want to spend all that money to buy.
One year, we tried the 4 present route, and I despised it. But, with age comes wisdom and this old momma is trying it out again.
It is simple – just 4 presents:
- Something you want.
- Something you need.
- Something to wear.
- Something to read.
It’s just 4 presents; could you do it? We’re going to try and encourage you to as well!
