A Giving Heart

Each year around Christmas, we talk to our children about what it's all about. Christmas, that is.

This year the older two really seemed to understand it more. Obviously, it's Jesus' birthday, they understand that very well, Santa Claus comes around, they get that too. Duh. But the giving part. They really seemed to grasp that this year. We give gifts at Christmas to honor the ultimate gift that God gave us when He gave us His Son, Jesus. That clicked for Number One Son & Queenie this year.

So we decided to go one step further than the old Angel Tree. We wanted to see if the gift giving could stand a little sacrifice. We asked the older two go through their toys and find 3 things that they didn't play with anymore that another child might enjoy. And it could NOT be broken. (that through them a curve ball)

Of course, The Flying Monkey could not be left out, so he threw in a couple himself. He promptly pulled them out, of course, the minute he realized they were leaving the house. He's such a 3 year old. :)

They did a great job. We ended up with two laundry baskets full of toys that they wanted someone else to be able to play with. Now granted, Happy Meal toys actually made up one full basket, but there was also Queenie's beloved Little People Dollhouse, complete with the family van and Number One Son's Farmhouse & animals.

We didn't force them to give any of the toys up, I even asked multiple times before the toys left the house if they were sure. They were sure, they said.

It was a proud moment watching Number One Son & Queenie display such a willingly giving spirit. I have to admit, I could really take a lesson from them. God honors a spirit that has a willingness to give.

It's Christmas, Enjoy It or Else!

We went to a local Christmas attraction this weekend that is quite well known and apparently quite well attended. We thought we'd be able to drop in, take some fun Christmas photos and enjoy all the local Christmas fun.

Yikes. I really had to struggle to enjoy myself. It was so crowded! We waited in line to park, we waited in line to ride the shuttle (well, actually, we walked because of that line, and still beat the shuttle to the gate), we waited in line to turn in our tickets for armbands, we waited in line to get in. Then we even waited in line walk around.

But I was determined that I was not going to give in to the crowd and get cranky and frustrated. It was hard, I'll admit.

But the kids had fun, we did get to see Santa in the parade, we rode the Christmas train, saw lights, even heard the real Christmas nativity story.

It was nice, but I felt really bad for the visitors who were not as willing to stay smiling like DH and I had chosen to stay. Number One Son, Queenie & The Flying Monkey had a great time and we did decide to leave when they finally said, "This is boring, it's too crowded." Up until that moment, I am not sure they had even noticed the miserableness of the crowd.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Season and remember to embrace the true reason for the celebration. Queenie reminded me of it last night.

Man telling Christmas Story to crowd: "What do you think Christmas is about?
Queenie to Me: "Christmas is about Giving. Because God gave us Jesus."