Downsizing Christmas and Upsizing the Meaning

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I asked Jackson and Lucy recently what they wanted for Christmas. It was the middle of October, and I needed to begin my holiday shopping. The question I asked, I thought, was a pretty typical question that all kids are asked by their parents each year, at least for those fortunate enough to celebrate holiday gift-giving.

Jackson and Lucy’s responses left me feeling like the biggest fool in the world. Both of my children told me that they really didn’t have anything that they especially wanted for Christmas. I just sat in front of them, with no words coming out of my mouth, feeling like the child of this conversation. I mean, did I really birth these kids? When I gathered some words, I asked both of them, “You don’t have anything you want for Christmas?” They told me, “no,” and then Jackson said that maybe we could take a fun trip somewhere. Well, of course, we can take a fun trip somewhere. I had that planned six months ago, but what about Christmas presents???

I spent a lot of hours thinking about Jackson and Lucy’s response to my question. Finally, I came to the realization that the commercialism and hustle of Christmas that I both love and hate are really a me problem and not a child problem. It led me to ask myself questions like, “Why do I spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on these kids each holiday season?” and “Why am I beating myself up thinking that if I spend $20 more on Jackson than Lucy, I will  need to go and buy Lucy something she probably won’t even play with just to even out the playing field?” My children DO NOT care.

I am very thankful that my craziness has not rubbed off on Jackson and Lucy and that they have a better sense of this matter than I do! This Christmas, my children have inspired me to downsize the commercialized Christmas and to upsize the true meaning. Sean and I have decided to use the Three Kings philosophy. We will give three gifts to each child just as Jesus received three gifts from the Wisemen. It is amazing how the innocence of children can set you back, slap you in the face, and teach you a lesson.

Maybe you are looking into downsizing the commercialization of Christmas and upsizing its meaning too. I was probably not the best child to try this on because I could always think of something I wanted. If you have kids who are like me and have tons on their Christmas lists waiting for Santa to make his grand entrance, here are a few suggestions to lead the change of how adults and children perceive the holiday season.

How to Downsize Christmas and Upsize Its Meaning

-As I mentioned before, we are going to use the Three Kings theme. My kids will get three gifts, just as Jesus received three gifts that Holy night in the manger.

-I have heard of people using the wedding theme of gift-giving, just as a bride receives. “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Well, I know that we can’t give our kids borrowed gifts or all blue stuff. I think the holiday translation is something like “…something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” Feel free to change the categories, but the principle of this is nice.

-Tell your kids that you are focusing on others this year. Have them pick some of their items to give to others this holiday season. Maybe for each day on Thanksgiving break, your kids can pick a toy to donate.

-Have your children pick a gift card of their choice that they will receive on Christmas morning along with other gifts. However, this gift card will not be spent on them, it will be spent on someone in need. Maybe you have a kid that loves Under Armor, which is all the rage right now. Let him take an Under-Armor gift card and give others something that your kid loves. Don’t judge their gift card pick. Let this pick be from their heart, while the kid knows that they won’t be getting quite as much this year because of it. It is amazing how much fun your kids will have buying their favorites for someone else.

In the end, the greatest lesson I learned… be more like my children, and less like the world. From our family to yours, happy holidays everyone!

Are you interested in downsizing the commercialization of Christmas and upsizing its true meaning? We would love to hear your thoughts and insights! Please leave a comment below.

Looking for more on gift-giving? Check out The Great Giftcard Swap and The Role of Santa During Financially Strapped Holidays.