Two years ago I had two of my children in the hospital, in the NICU, growing, resting, eating and learning to maintain their own body temperature. I was sore, tired and overwhelmed from my C-section just five days earlier. I felt torn between three kids at home and my new babies in the hospital. Christmas came and went and I hardly remember ANY of it. We were living out of boxes at my mother's house since we were in the middle of a move. It wasn't pleasant, but the kids enjoyed the "holiday" room and had a fabulous Christmas thanks to MeMaw, DadDad, other family members and the love of a home church that played "Santa" for our kids.
Last year was peaceful, pleasant and COVERED with snow. It was magical really. I didn't think it could be topped. We were blessed ONCE again by a church that decided to sponsor our family. This was extrememly helpful because it was our first year trying to buy for five kids. Presents flooded the living room. It was almost embarassing really. Love displayed in boxes, bows and wrapping. We were careful to tell our children that the church had done all of this. We want them to learn to be grateful. Resting, talking, laughing, playing in the snow. It was a very special day.
Today has been a wonderful day. Having two, two year olds at Christmas is a joy. I had forgotten how much fun it could be, really to tell you the truth. Although poor Nathan spent almost one hour straight taking toys out of boxes (those twist ties get ya), putting in batteries, etc. , he was such a good sport. We have power tools, we have cars and trucks, there are tricycles, a skateboard, video games...oh the list goes on and on and on. Once again, I am humbled at the help we received, blessed by the outpouring of love and thrilled that my children could receive almost ALL of what they requested.
We are teaching them that three presents is what Jesus got, so it is MORE than enough for them. I know that we aren't exactly sure how many gifts He received. I also know that the Wise Men did not come to the manger to present their offering. We read the Christmas story with the children annually and we try to prepare their hearts during Advent. There are songs sung, movies watched, stories read so that they might know of God's love for them, that He sent His only Son to be born on Christmas. Yes, I'm aware that Jesus' birth most likely was not in December. I'm aware of all the inaccuracies and myths. I'm also aware of the love, joy and peace that surround December 25th. I am aware that some families don't recognize/support Santa. Our family however does. I know it won't last too many more years, but for now I treasure the joy of watching thier faces light up on Christmas morning knowing that someone brought these treasured gifts FOR THEM. We have taught them that ALL of this is possible only because of Jesus. They know that the only reason we give and receive gifts is to emmulate the gift of Jesus. We have a birthday party for Jesus and we talk about how we can give him our hearts, our wills and our lives.
Today as we found homes for all of new "bounty" we also gave toys away. Something new comes in, something old goes out. We sorted through and threw broken toys away. We bagged up the "give aways". We even did that with the outside toys. It was wonderful. The children know that they need to share of their blessings. We practice this year round (birthdays, when other gifts come into the house). I am always blessed when I see what they choose to share. Although I must admit it always challenges me, because I am faced once again with the fact that we as Americans are spoiled. We own too much, eat too much, spend too much, whine too much, etc. I am praying that in this New Year that I can continue to learn how to "Live simply and give extravagantly". I want our home to be filled with love, laughter, peace, not STUFF. I am a work in process, so my parenting is still growing, changing, developing. I'm teaching my kids and we love learning together.
There will be more presents later today, more family, more sweets and cookies, more love, more laughs, more hugs. In the midst of all of the more...I'm learning to be content with LESS. I want less of me and more of HIM. I want to receive less and give more. I want to eat less, weigh less, own less, OWE less, drive less, watch t.v. less, speak loudly or unkindly less, procrastinate less....get the picture????!!!!
Here's one of my ALL TIME FAVS to help us all celebrate Christmas. Blessings to you and yours wherever you are reading this from.
Merry Christmas.
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