Rethinking Christmas

As we head into November we realize Christmas is just around the corner.  Before the intensity of Christmas shopping is upon us … I would like to issue a collective challenge … Let’s de-materialize Christmas this year.

It is my observation that most people are uncomfortable with what Christmas has become … too much stuff, too much debt and too much of that sense that we are spoiling our kids and dishonoring the One for whom Christmas is all about.  Why not make this year different?

There is time to be creative.  Think about making Christmas special while spending less.  Ideas are everywhere.  But, it takes some planning and communication in advance.  Now is the time to get started.

One year when my extended family was in town for Christmas we decided that everyone had to get a gift for each family member and it must cost less than $5.  Looking back it was one of the most fun-filled Christmases.  Creativity and anticipation were everywhere.  (I think I still have those $5 polka dotted boxer shorts somewhere …)

I will use future blogs to pass on specific ideas … but for now … just consider what Christmas would be like if we could strip the commercialism and materialism out of the season and keep our hearts focused on what we could do on December 25 that would make that baby in the manger smile …