Comments on: Rethinking Christmas: Traditions

By: Rethinking Christmas: Gifts and Cards « As We Walk

Rethinking Christmas: Gifts and Cards « As We Walk — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:41:43 +0000

[...] November 24, 2008 in Family, Friends, Holiday, Seasonal I’ve added photos to the last Rethinking Christmas post…scroll down or click here. [...]

By: sandra

sandra — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:28:49 +0000

We are most definitely on a stricter budget this year. I have been studying my kids’ Christmas wish lists carefully, browsing the stores and internet for the best deal possible, and still, in the back of my mind thinking, ” How is it going to work out? ” As you said things have gotten so expensive down to the bare necessities and it is making us think and rethink each and every thing we buy.

I saw this Advent book on Amazon and thought about ordering it, it seems really great…….
Jotham’s Journey

Last year, I let the kids all make handmade gifts for each other instead of buying something (stuffed animals, pillows, etc.) and handmade gifts for the grandparents (using Sculpey clay to make ornaments) This, I find keeps their mind focused on giving rather than receiving. I’m hoping this year will even be better.

I think the main thing for us is to focus on the real reason for the season, the meaning, the love He had for us, the love we have for one another. So, with me trying to keep them focused on these things and on giving, I hope their receiving end of things will just be the icing on the already sweet cake

By: Wendy Martin

Wendy Martin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:50:55 +0000

I love your family traditions and wanted to share one of ours. Now, that we reside in Ohio once again, Christmas Eve is spent with Trey’s family in Lima. Last year, we rushed home to Columbus (1 1/2 hour drive) so that Alexander could read the bible to us. My sister was visiting from Atlanta and she and I hid Baby Jesus before going to bed. I taught preschool at a Presbyterian Church in the Atlanta area and each Christmas season we made Baby Jesus for each child from a baby sock (stuffed with stuffing )and wrapped the sock in blue felt. This will be our 5th Christmas hiding Noah’s Baby Jesus. Christmas Morning the boys search for Baby Jesus and once he’s found we wish him a Happy Birthday and say a prayer. Then, the boys are permitted downstairs to open gifts. We love this tradition and are looking forward to it again in a few weeks.

And, yes we’re on a stricter budget this year too!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!! from the Martins

By: rixgal

rixgal — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:58:43 +0000

Last year we bought $3 dice games and wrapped them with a microwave popcorn packet for all of our friends. We wrote on the bags “Game Night Fun!” It was cheaper than baking, for sure.

Another year we made tortilla soup mix in a jar. We handed them out the first of Dec. and many of our friends LOVED getting an easy dinner to prepare.

Not sure what cheap gift we’ll give this year. But things are tight here as well. )

Great ideas!

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:55:16 +0000

These are great. I have been thinking a lot about traditions lately.

By: Gwendolyn

Gwendolyn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:34:36 +0000

Wonderful ideas! We are on a strict budget this year, too. Isn’t everybody? )

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:33:59 +0000

It is funny but this is the first year we actually have money for Christmas gifts. We never have before. However, I have learned my lesson in all those years and have no plans for a multitude of gifts–instead we are keeping it simple and the kids are into making gifts for people and selling things they have made for money to buy gifts for others.

I am heading over to look at the Jesse tree –we had one growing up and I have yet to find one that satisfies that memory .