So there’s no nip in the air yet (in fact I was able to run 8.2 miles this AM in short sleeves and shorts which is really unlike a typical Indiana October).  There are no decorations adorning our home here in the Queendom.  There are no holiday programs, no goofy sweaters, and not one single Mall Santa Sighting.  But I am thinking about Christmas already here in the Queendom.

I’m thinking about Christmas early because I want you to think about Christmas right now.  Because if you’re not proactive now when it comes to Christmas (or honestly even earlier in the year), you’ll find that you’ve overspent and overindulged when St. Nick makes his December 24th visit.

I don’t talk about my faith often on here but I firmly believe that giving gifts is a reflection of the image of God within us all.  God gives good gifts to us.  No wonder we want to give gifts to our own children and the people who we love.  It makes perfect sense to me.  However, somewhere in the midst of that reflection we trend toward distortion and over purchasing.  Even if they’re free, too many gifts – just like too many Christmas cookies – aren’t good for anyone.

Here are a few ways we try to keep gift giving at a minimum during the holidays:

• 3 Gifts and a Stocking.  The Princesses receive only 3 presents a piece and a stocking with a few necessities (fun toothbrushes and toothpaste) each Christmas.  One of the gifts is larger, one is a book, and one is a piece of clothing.  I know it doesn’t sound like a barrel of monkeys but our girls have never complained.  If we had more than 2 children I have a feeling 3 would become 2 or even 1.
• Family Gifts.  We decided many years ago that our brothers and their wives along with us, really don’t need to receive gifts from one another as adults.  Instead we either just give to our nieces and nephews or a give a gift to the entire family.  We also spend no more than $25/family.  It becomes a fun game to come up with a creative gift without spending a ton of money.  And I saw via FB the other day that Duchess Ange has already secured the Princess’ gifts using Swag Bucks Amazon Gift Cards.
• Give Presence, Not Presents.  Do something with someone you love (read a book, go sledding, bake goodies to deliver to someone else, sip a cup of coffee and have a great conversation, make something crafty, decorate, the list goes on and on) instead of giving a gift.  OR offer an act of service as a gift – clean out a closet, reorganize the kitchen, redecorate their living room, fill out an address book, go grocery shopping, paint a room, the list goes on and on.  Use your creative juices and rethink Christmas.  For more creative ideas, visit Rethinking Christmas.
• Use the Money You Saved.  Give to someone who has a need – locally, globally, known or unknown.  I’m a big fan of Blood:Water Mission and 20liters.

What do you do to curb Christmas Consumption?  How do you keep it simple, stressfree, meaningful, and everything in your checking account a non-holiday shade of black instead of red.  🙂

Related posts:

What Do You Do Wednesday? Gift Giving for Kids What Do You Do Wednesday? Teacher Christmas Gifts or What Your Teacher Doesn’t Want What Do You Do Wednesday? Kids and Christmas Gifts