Dreamin' of a Green Christmas...

Ok, before you send me hate mail, let me explain...I am dreaming of a snowy, crisp, white Christmas. The green would be in the form of some parent friendly, earth happy, child lovin' gifts! I cant tell you how many times in the last few weeks I have been asked by a customer at our mama and baby boutique, 'how do I get my family on board for a green christmas?" The common culprits are well-meaning, child-loving Grammas and Papas and Aunties and Uncles. Even moms and dads get caught in this crazy gift giving free for all.
I remember when my husband and I were still childless and thoroughly enjoying being and auntie and uncle to my niece Isabella. My hubby especially would spoil her, bringing her a surprise every time we went to visit and buying her things when she came to see us ( which was often). Then the day came when he walked in the door at her house and she ran up to him, stopped short at his feet and asked "What did you bring me?"  As cute as she was, it hit home that he had overdone it a bit with the "stuff'"...which I am sure no one appreciated this realization more than my sister!
Now that we are parents and we find ourselves constantly purging toys and clothes and just..."stuff"...on a regular basis. I have learned to appreciate gift cards and gift certificates like never before. But the best gifts we have come to enjoy are the ones that help us make memories with our son. Memories dont crack or break or lose parts or melt (?!) ...or get lost in the wash or run out of batteries or get sucked up by the vacuum...eaten by pets, fall into the vents or get buried in the sandbox...
My mom has come up with some wonderful gifts of memories over the years. Trips to fun hotels, and shows. My mom-in-law has given some thoughtful gifts of memories saved. Now, dont get me wrong here! Before my family runs out and returns my gifts, let me say I an not a complete Scrooge. I love giving and getting thoughtful and fun gifts. Its just that as a parent now I want to teach my children the value of life over things, the value of family over money, the value of grace over greed, and the value of loving others over ourselves. As I watch sacred holidays become disgustigly commercialized more each year, I find myself almost bending backwards the other way to avoid falling prey to it. I have the most wonderful memories of Christmas...I cant remember what i got each year, but I do remember that Santa (Dad) came to visit us at our house every Christmas eve to give us one gift before bed. Its a memory I keep alive now with my son and husband as he plays santa for us.The gift is never big or important, usually new pajamas. Its the experience and the memories we are making.
I heard a story about a missionary and his family (forgive me if I get this wrong, I cant remember who told this) who every Christmas his family and himself were sent many lovely donated gifts from sponsoring churches at home. After unwrapping their gifts and playin with them, the children would choose their favorite one and wrap the rest up and take them to give to the local children who had literally nothing. Now that may seem extreme or even mean to some, but I have been there. I have had the immense pleasure of staying with a missionary family in Guatemala for almost a month during hurricane Mitch. I have seen how it changes children, to see other children without home, food, clothing or family. I let almost everything I had brought with me, I couldnt belive how much we took for granted, how much stuff we thought we needed. I gave my favorite watch away to a very grateful teacher and have never worn one since ( much to the frustration of my poor husband!) My dad went to Cuba on a missions trip once and he couldnt belive the extent and danger the local host went to in order to get meat for their dinner. Dad was exceptionally humble to begin with but he said this made him feel so humbled. When was the last time our children felt awed and humbled by generosity? When was the last time we did?
I know, every year I hear parents saying they agree, we should all be teaching it isnt about getting gifts, its about giving...but do we really? As I watch the frantic parents racing to find all the gifts on their list, watch the strained faces at the cash registers as credit cards get maxed out, I wonder. I wonder if come January and the toys have been played with and forgotten and the bills start coming in, was it worth it? If we can honestly say yes, then I am glad. I think the Wise Men had it right: they each brought one gift for the young King.
Some "Green" ideas:
Think outside the box! instead of wrapping gifts, put them in fabric santa bags you can use each year.
This year we are making a wooden treasure chest to put under the tree and put Zac's gifts in
For every gift you buy, (hypathetically)think of putting the same amount into your child's RESP or your savings...you will be amazed at how it helps you reign in the spending!
Give gifts that make memories, not more mess
Do a wish list registry for your kids! Helps grandparents stay on track and you know best what they will play with. Toys r us, Baby Safety Superstore, Sears and even our local boutique offer gift registries.
Pay with Cash! Save the heartache and stress, budget and stick to it
Wood toys are always a better investment with little guys.
Traditions can be a blessing or a strain...keep the ones that work for you family and let go of the ones that dont hold personal meaning to you anymore.

Happy Memory making!

How much would you give??

Please take a minute and read fellow blogger and lovely business mama, Gillian's blog...and help as you can.
If these were your babies, how much would you give?
Blessings!


http://gigiphotography.com/blog/?p=4382