Simple Christmas

This year I'm really excited for our little Christmas.  We are keeping it small and simple, much like the life we are living here in our country abode.  

Our move into a smaller home has really forced us to evaluate our possessions and consumer mentality.  In our old ginormous 2,800 sqft house we didn't really pay as much attention to what we brought in, there was always somewhere we could stick it.  When you have 1600 sqft to divide between a family of 6 nearly seven people intentionality is crucial.

So we opted to not put up our huge tree, partly because we didn't want to try and fit it in and partly because having a tree and toddler has never meshed well in our home.  Instead we bought a Norfolk pine house plant and tiny string of led lights.  It may be Charlie Brownish but we love it.  The kids had just as much fun decorating this one as they have in years past.  In fact it went better just because it was small, there was no waiting, and given its size the task held their interest with minimal squabbling over where to put great grandma Betty's beads and ornaments.  I'm also not sick from all the usual dust that accompanies Christmas decorations!

The kids begged to buy each other gifts this year.  After much discussion Phil and I decided that they needed to experience the joy of buying and giving.  However, we didn't want dollar store quality items invading our home if they all bought for everyone.  We opted to have them draw a name and select one quality gift.  Each sibling thus far has kept it a secret of who they drew.  Phil has taken each child out for some special one on one time and hasn't had to offer much assistance on the selection.  I'm choosing to be surprised at what each is giving, but it warms my heart to know they are putting great thought into the sibling name they drew.

I'll have to write later about what I made for the kids as sometimes Abi likes to pop on here and read my posts.  I can tell you this--it's something that I've wanted for them for years, and it spans all their ages, stimulates the imagination and can be played with as a group or singularly.

My hope is that however you and yours are celebrating Christmas that it is filled with as much joy and excited anticipation as our season is this year.

Merry Christmas friends!