I went into Costco last week and I was overwhelmed with the amount of Christmas stuff already out. It was not even Halloween yet!! It seems like the real meaning of the Holiday has been completely lost to a society created need for consumerism. I was facing a whole section of the store that was filled with just crap. Where is the quality? Where is the necessity? Where is the actual thought in gift giving?
This started a whole conversation with Lamar. We have been on a mission to simplify our lives lately. We feel so fortunate for everything we have. Our kids have more than they really need. It is overwhelming the amount of stuff that piles up.
We have come to the conclusion that we are not going to have a consumer driven Holiday. We want a simple event filled with love and laughter. No stress of shopping or shipping. We want to show our children what the Holiday is really about. What we would really enjoy is a great phone call or visit from the ones we love. This is where we ask you, our family to help us out. I do not want to appear ungrateful in any way. We really see this as a way to make everything simpler and more enjoyable.
To start off the Holiday season I am taking the kids to Iowa for Thanksgiving. We hope to fill the family up with many warm fuzzies. Lamar wants to make the trip with us, but the schedule just does not allow for it. We will have some family time with him when we return to Oregon and a great meal with friends.
We are on a mission to make the most of the Holidays this year!
Us too! The kids will be getting about half of the gifts they normally get, and Mike and I will be making the majority of them. I've asked my parents to plan an experience for them, rather than give them a gift. There is really nothing that they need.
ReplyDeleteAmy
A noble endeavor. I wish you the best. :) And you're right--there's no greater gift than quality time spent together.
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