Less Is More

I've heard from more than one person how quickly the Christmas season seems to come and go. Just when you start to get in the mood to listen to Christmas music, put up your tree, and get gifts -- before you know it things seem to get a little out-of-hand. The time you want to spend soaking up the feeling of the Holidays is cast aside as you frantically try to find the time to squish everything in.

I'm not sure if I'm at that point yet - but I'm starting to wonder if I'm not heading there. I thought things were going really smoothly. I was pacing myself and getting things accomplished and then everything just started rushing in on me. The school wants me to send some food in for a Christmas party, the school wants me to go to two Christmas performances since my daughter is singing in one (the afternoon one) and they really require her to be there at the evening one also. The school wants me to help my daughter handmake a Christmas gift for a gift exchange (or go purchase one) - the school wants my help with this or that. Honestly - I think I'd be feeling a little less like pulling my hair out if the school didn't want so much from me!

Don't get me wrong. I love the private school that my girls' go to. I am blessed that we can send them there for the time being and the teachers' truly love their children. But sometimes I get overwhelmed that they seem to want and expect so much extra out of me - the parent. Especially during the holidays. Because I have other things that need my attention as well. I need to wrap and box up gifts to send out of state so that they arrive in time for Christmas. I need to get my Christmas cards/letters addressed and sent out, I need to make at least a few Christmas goodies, wrap our own gifts, decide if I have the extra time to attend a few Christmas gatherings with friends -- and - hopefully still find spare room to snuggle in front of Christmas movies or go drive and look at lights?

It ain't all happening - I'll tell you that much. So what gets cut off the list??

Why is it that everyone feels the need to do so much at Christmastime?? How about doing less - which will mean more in our hearts? How about no Christmas exchanges for the kids. Trust me - they will get enough gifts as it is. If they want to teach children how to give - how about having them all write something they like about each person in the classroom and giving that as a gift? You can't put a price on self esteem. Or how about having them write to the military who have no family nearby at all right now? How about giving ONE Christmas ornament to represent something in that child's character?? How about NOT having a huge 'ol Christmas party? A small one would probably be more meaningful - and less indulgent.

I think too much emphasis is put on parties, and doing things in a BIG way. I think we need to start changing the way we think and start doing things in a meaningful small way. We can teach our children how to have moderation and restraint. Something that society seems to have forgotten about.

It saddens my heart that so many people try to slow down the Christmas season - want to slow down the Christmas season - but can't because of other commitments or demands placed upon them.

Celebrations don't need to be the biggest and best to be the most successful. They just need to be full of love and meaning. They will be more satisfying if they aren't so "material-driven." And we may not have intended to, but we ourselves, have been fueling that fire with our children.

The holidays used to be about home and family. Not about having to have a party and celebration at your school, at your church, at your work, with your team, or club, bring a gift to this, a treat to that,- etc. It's just too much - especially if you have more than one child!

Let's stop demanding so much from one another and start giving a little "time" back to the family -- where it belongs.

Because sometimes less is more.