Christmas time in near.....

I am a fan of all things Christmas, with one exception.  I'm not keen on kids writing a Christmas list.  To me, the Christmas list fosters greed and a focus on all things material, which it the antithesis of Christmas.  Christmas is about gift giving, not receiving.  Starting with God the Father giving us the gift of His son the precedent for Christmas has always been giving.  When kids sit down to write a list they are totally focused on themselves and on getting, getting, getting.  I want this....I want that.....wrong.

Now, I understand the practicality of the list.  Friends and family want to know what kids like, understand their interests in the hopes of purchasing something that will be loved and enjoyed.  But that's where parents come in.  I know my kid fairly well.  Ask me if you want to know what she likes.  I don't like encouraging kids to ask for specific items. It seems....icky.  Instead I prefer to teach them that getting any present is a gift.  I remind my daughter that someone who cares about her has taken their time, energy and money to select something that they think she will enjoy, and THAT is the gift.  On the flip side I also think it's important to teach kids about the value of giving; the importance of thinking of others first and the joy that comes from celebrating with others.

To that end, I've decided to write my own Christmas list this year.  It's intended to be an advent calendar of sorts.  Each day we'll do an activity that will help us enjoy the season and focus on the true meaning of the season, the little things that make it fun, and the joy of sharing with others.  Way better than anything you find in a store.

December 1:   Bake X-mas cookies
December 2:   Create a countdown advent chain
December 3:   Make X-mas cards
December 4:   Read  Luke 1:26-38
December 5:   Read How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 6 :  Shop for stuffed animals to donate to a Children's charity
December 7:   Christmas colored manicures and pedicures
December 8:   Watch a Christmas movie
December 9:   Wrap presents
December 10:  Make Christmas candy
December 11:  Assemble goody bags for school and dance teachers
December 12:  Make peppermint hot chocolate before bed
December 13:  Watch a Christmas movie 
December 14:  Drive through the neighborhood to see Christmas lights
December 15:  Decorate Christmas cookies
December 16:  Make a book of Christmas carols
December 17:  Sing Christmas songs
December 18:  Do an X-mas craft
December 19:  Read Matthew 2: 1-12
December 20:  Read Christmas stories
December 21:  Bake goodies
December 22:  Read The Night Before Christmas
December 23:  Deliver goodies to the residents at an assisted living facility
December 24:  Read Luke 2: 8-22
December 25:  Celebrate the greatest gift of all time with family.