Not sure if you are aware but at the beginning of the month I wrote about my feelings on the subject of Christmas. I am not trying to sound like Ebenezer Scrooge but I am wondering what Christmas is all about – what ever happened to Giving at this time of year?
Instead of presents, what about experiences/time?
I wrote as part of a writing group but I also wrote from the heart asking “Dear Mr Santa Claus Whats For Christmas?”
Christmas Is All About Giving – Isn’t It?
I have a strong feeling about Christmas this year. I am not sure where its coming from, or what its all about. But I am close to saying to our family Forget about Christmas.
At First I Thought THIS Santa was a Statue – and then he moved ever so slowly!
I dont mean forget about the day, but I am mean forget about the presents that we normally pile up under the xmas tree – so may presents that our boys are not sure what to open first, or what to play with as they have far too many toys!
Lack of Storage Space Is TO Blame
Really I am not like Ebenezer Scrooge – I do love giving. But cant we give with time and love instead of with gifts? Its not like we have any where to put the gifts anyway.
Peace On Earth!
Its a lack of storage space that has lead me to think like this as well as a lack of trying to work out what we can buy – Gosh as our boys are getting older its getting harder and harder to find things to buy that they will like!
I do love Christmas – Really I do. But can it be more about the real meaning of Christmas instead of about the commerical side of buying the biggest present, the most expensive present?
Melbourne Christmas Square
While I was in Melbourne recently there was a corner of a major busy street that was transformed into “Stana’s Square” – it was magical! I loved that aspect of looking at the colourful decorations, and the amazing display – so I know I still love Christmas even if I dont like the idea of xmas day 🙂
Christmas Square
Here is some of our xmas cheer for you to enjoy….
The Christmas cheer are from scenes in Melbourne – where there seems to be a lot of decorations, and a lot of focus about Christmas. This year our family are focused on about giving with time and love, instead of gifts.
This Year We Are Doing Something Different!
Yesterday we were out and about and I came across a stand in the shopping centre. Normally I walk past a lot of those stands that are set up for charities without even giving it another thought. But this time I went back to have a better look 🙂
It was a World Vision Stand – and it was set up with a display that caught my eye. So I back tracked as fast as I could and spoke to the guy behind the counter. He explained how they have a program set up where you can “Buy” an animal for a family overseas that are in need of help.
I loved the idea because our family love animals, and I want christmas to be about giving. We stood there and spoke for ages, and he explained how it all worked. After coming home yesterday our family discussed what we all wanted to do – and we have argreed to give from our family to another family with purchasing a “Chicken and Chicken Feed”.
As soon as I can get back to the shops I will buying each of our family a chicken, a gift that will be for a family in need.
If you want to join in on the fun, leave a message below here and I will get in touch with you – and explain in more detail what you can do so that Christmas Is All About Giving!
What Do You Like about Giving At Christmas Time?
Cheers
Lisa
For a few years now I have taken my Grand Children here in Brisbane, out where they would buy some presents each child would have $25.00 then they would buy things they would have liked till each had spent the $25.00 then would have each wrapped and each one put under the Christmas Tree @ Kmart with a card for the age group some times there may be 6 or more gifts.
Each year the kids looked forward to that but this year I am unable to do it and I feel sad
My Grand Children here in Brisbane get so many gifts they didn’t really appreciate what Christmas is really about.
Rita recently posted..Bringing Happiness Back Into Your Life
Hi Rita,
Love the idea of your grand children buying for another family – such a great idea!!
Maybe this year you could buy for one child instead of giving each of your grandchildren $25 each – maybe you could do just one gift?
Its the thought that counts. Or maybe you could ask your Grandchildren to donate their older toys to charity? – the ones they dont need or use?
Cheers
Lisa
I have also been finding myself growing less and less enchanted with the extravagance that Christmas has become. Each year I try to cut back on buying things for our family and have added two traditions to our Christmas. For the last few years we have sponsored a needy family’s Christmas through a charitable group in Toronto. We go shopping to buy them the things they need and can’t afford at Christmas – including groceries. My children get a great deal of pleasure buying toys for kids who have very little.
We also started a few years ago giving our children a travel experience for Christmas. We have cut back on other gifts for them and my husband and I do not exchange gifts. Instead I wrap up clues for the girls to open to try and guess where we are going and a few days after Christmas we head out. With gifts from other family members they are still getting far too much “stuff” but I’m continuing to make an effort to cut back a little more each year.
I love your idea of buying chickens through World Vision – far easier for kids to get excited about giving a tangible gift like that than simply making a donation.
Have a wonderful holiday with your family!!
Lisa
Lisa recently posted..A Jolly Holiday at Legoland
Hi Lisa,
I love the idea of buying for another family – especially at Christmas time! Especially love the idea of taking your own children shopping to chose the gifts/food for the family in need.
Its amazing how much stuff we do collect over the years….and toys that our boys dont even look at anymore!
Sure is going to be good to do a different christmas this year!
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa
That is a great idea buying a chicken for a family overseas. At work one year instead of presents, we all put in and I think we bought a sheep, for a village in Africa. Oxfam has a similar program.
Hi Kerry,
I love the idea of your work buying a sheep for a village in Africa! That is brilliant 😉
Cheers
Lisa