OK, so while we celebrate Christmas with a different air and meaning than most of this country, I would not want to get nothing for my kids for Christmas. And right now, I'm frustrated with trying to pick a gift for them. I'm trying to find one toy for each of them, well, two for Hannah because of her birthday. We're trying to find the cheapest price for a particular toy, and I don't even know which particular toy that should be. I'm feeling so much pressure to get the right thing, when my kids would be ecstatic with anything we get them. I know what my mother-in-law is getting them, and I'm kind of frustrated about that too. We're trying to teach our kids not to be materialistic, and to focus on the real Meaning. We do that by getting them one decent toy, and anything else is small and fairly cheap. All of the toys they get from them are big and expensive. While I'm very grateful they have the money to spend like that, it's hard to get them to separate the real meaning from what they're getting. *rolls eyes*
I roll my eyes not at the presents, just at the recon I'll have to do post-Christmas. I, literally, said to Hannah tonight that Santa is not real and does not bring presents. Mommy and Daddy and the people that love them give them presents because we love them. She was silent. This is not the first time she has heard this, mind you, so I'm not shattering some supreme idea she had in her head. I told her that she was welcome to pretend he was real. She said, "OK!" and went right on talking about Santa bringing presents. Good news is, she has a book that tells her exactly how Santa came to be, from the beginning. I just need to press the idea of Jesus' birth, but how many times a day can I say it without it becoming monotonous and losing all of its meaning and effectiveness? Once? Twice? 492 times? Just another day in the life of a mother, I guess. Trying to figure out the best way to be a parent, while feeling like you're just spinning your wheels. Maybe tomorrow will appear in a better light.
Jennie, I appreciate your blog because you make me think.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I found out that Santa did not exist. I was maybe 6, first grade I think. My sister was 2nd grade, and she told me that Santa was phony. I did not believe it, and when I asked my mom, she told me the truth. I felt as if I had been lied to (I was) and a little bit of trust in my parents was destroyed. Ever since I have thought that the Santa thing is a big mistake. I like your approach...we get gifts from real people because they love us.
Don't be frustrated because your in-laws or your parents or whomever get your kids expensive gifts. They will not be spoiled and it makes the giver happy. As long as you are there to direct matters, they will have the right attitude.
Here is the key sentence from your post: "Trying to figure out the best way to be a parent, while feeling like you're just spinning your wheels." Jennie, as long as you are trying to do your best, you will be doing your best and what more could anyone ask from you? Supermom you may not be, but you are a great mother and your children reflect this. Hold your head high! I am proud of you.
Love,
Tommy
Jennie, you are awesome. It's so impressive that you guys are getting your kids one present each! Christmas is just about the most difficult time to avoid materialism, and I admire you for focusing on the gift of Jesus and His love, which grows into this holiday in which we love each other and give gifts. The reason for the season is the meaning behind the gifts, not the gifts themselves.
ReplyDeleteI wish my family had been like that growing up. Better to celebrate the day, and look back and remember EVENTS and PEOPLE instead of what present you got.
I really really wish I could see you guys RIGHT NOW! I miss our talks and our laughing and the comfort and all the awesomeness. December is too crazy busy. Maybe I can visit in January?? I want to!!