It's the Thought that Matters

As I spent the morning cleaning up the kids' playroom, I rethought my Christmas list I had just made. Where would I even put more stuff? As it is, they have so many toys, they don't even enjoy the ones they have, unless I individually pull them out for them to play with because too much of even a good thing is overwhelming. Why should I waste more money on items that will only be forgotten shortly after the holidays? I thought of Matthew 6:19-21 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." When I was finally finished cleaning, I walked into the kitchen for lunch and there on my fridge was one of my most prized possessions... a set of felt pilgrims that had hung on my Grandmother's fridge ever since I was a child. It was one of the only things I had taken when they sold her home and every time I put them up for Thanksgiving, it makes me smile. They're so old that the felt with which they were made probably cost no more than ten cents back in the day and yet they're priceless to me because they immediately bring back holiday memories of a family that loves each other along with the most wonderful Granny who always spent time with me, teaching me to bake and telling me stories. Sure she spoiled me with gifts, took me shopping every Friday night, and had a little plastic turkey and bag of chocolate gold coins sitting by my plate at the table on Thanksgiving but I don't remember even half of what she bought. The memories that make me smile are the times we spent together, laying awake in her bed talking, the fact that my chair was always next to hers at the table, the laughs we shared, all things that money can't buy. So, this year, I'm trying something new. I'm going to spend everyday of the month of December spending quality time with my kids, orchestrating a Christmas pageant in our home and helping my children understand the real meaning of Christmas, rather than rushing around buying stuff. They won't be without gifts on Christmas but I'm limiting my shopping, and focusing on presents that will complement their talents and encourage them to pursue their interests. For my daughter, it's art supplies and for my son, it's music. Then, I'm commiting to treasuring the time we spend together exploring their new gifts. What will you be putting the most thought into this holiday season?