Christmas Idea Help for next year

suscq

I found myself getting really frustrated this year with the "gimmie" attitude of Christmas.  DD isn't old enough to be that way, but I want to put some major plans in place for next year so that Christmas doesn't become about "stuff."  I heard a great idea about only getting 3 gifts, because that's how many gifts baby Jesus got.  This year we also adopted a needy family and bought Christmas gifts for the kids.  DD wasn't old enough to understand, but next year she will understand a little more.  I also want to do Christmas cards for military with her next year.

What are some things you did this year to make it more about the spirit of Christmas?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Liss_37

Santa only brings DS 1 gift. it will probably always be a special gift that he really wants, but there will only be 1 of them. 

we will buy him presents (obviously) but only a few.  

we will also teach him every year before xmas to go through his toys and pick out ones that he would like to donate to kids who are less fortunate. then we will all go together and donate the toys with our annual xmas food donation to our local foodbank/shelter.

 

Emcat1980@yahoo.com

I have been thinking about the same thing, esp b/c my husband's family goes SO overboard with gifts. I hate to sound ungrateful, but they spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars. It's just so excessive and I do not want him to get the idea that is what Christmas is about. Of course I want him to be excited and have fun, but I'd like to incorporate a lot of fun traditions that do not involve getting presents too.

A few traditions we are going to do: new PJs on Christmas Eve (not necessarily Xmas themed), Christmas cookies, driving around and looking at lights with hot chocolate, going to a park where my parents live that they decorate all in Christmas lights.

I definitely will do a big clean out/purge/donation of toys and clothes in December to make room for new ones, and I may starts saving some stuff for something fun like "Christmas in July" or something.

Something I have heard that I liked was for each kid in a family, Santa brings 'Something to read, something to wear, something to play with and something to share' (i.e. a bigger gift for all the sibs to play with). I thought this was pretty cute. Not sure we'll stick to it, but we'll definitely do a pretty small Santa stash -  just a few gifts, then a few from us.

easyBreezie

We decided a few weeks ago that aren't going all out on gifts for Christmas, even for DS as that isn't what it's about. We'll by big gifts on Birthday's but only small ones on Christmas.

When I was younger, I went and volunteered and next year we will start this tradition as well as donating toys and every day household items.