It's truly that time isn't it? Tomorrow is the last Sunday in Advent and then, boom, it's Christmas.
We are all very much in danger of losing sight of the reason for all of the chaos, and at my house, it's chaos. Last minute wrapping and even a little last minute shopping, yet to be done. I had to go to a mall last night, which I don't do on a normal summer Tuesday afternoon, much less the Friday evening before Christmas, but I was stuck. And it was nuts. Really nuts. Someone show me "the recession" because it hasn't reached our community yet.
Like many Catholic families, the children in my house receive three gifts each. No more than the baby Jesus. Something to play with. Something to wear. And something to read. I don't know how to reduce the chaos anymore than that, and it's still chaotic.
Family arriving in town today. Cookies to bake. Meals to prepare. House to clean. Clothes to get ready. I don't even have time for a to-do list.
Remember the reason. Remember the reason. Remember the reason.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God). He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away." Revelations 21: 1-4
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I am so touced by your post today. Since I am a convert to Catholicism, I never heard of the three gift rule. What a wonderful idea! I showed my hubby and hoping we start this tradition next year (since its 2 presents too late this year).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to do gifts...only 3 each! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how to handle that in our family...they give gifts to each other, we give them each a gift...then there's Santa and Grandpa/Grandpa...aunts & uncles.
I need to pray about this....thanks for sharing your tradition.
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteWe don't try to control what other family members do for our children. The three gifts are from mom and dad. The older kids have no confusion as far as Santa, and we don't push the Santa agenda so Peach doesn't even ask "what's from Santa?"
I agree on the craziness of the malls. The recession hasn't hit Pickerington yet, either! It's just nuts!
ReplyDeleteThe three gift rule is a good idea.
I love that quote from Revelations. We were up and about yesterday too, the lines to the register at Kohl's on Morse and Hamilton was insane. Fortunately we are done with Christmas shopping, we were just really checking out bargains (household stuff). It was nice to be able to leave the stores empty-handed lol. This year we have to luxury of not hosting Christmas dinner so it's been nice. Our Advent has been just slow and meaningful. Don't worry I'm praying for those whose Advent aren't as simple and unencumbered as mine :-) Oh, and we have a two gift rule this year (normally just one and stocking stuffers). This year has been really hard on the kids (and us) so they are getting a Christmas and "virtues" present. Hubby and I have a $20 limit for each other. Fun what 20 dollars can/can't buy anymore!
ReplyDeletei like the three gift idea. it's not too late to implement that here because i am still not done shopping. i just haven't had it in me this year, plus the big boys are getting older now and so i thought it was a good time to start some new traditions with the little one. luckily my daughter is such a sweetie, very simple and easy to please so i am not worried about her. i am proud to report that there will be no more "letters" to santa, just a dreamy discussion about "i wonder what he'll bring you...." i refuse to feel STRESSED out about Jesus' birthday, it just didn't seem right and i don't know how people do it year after year! take a deep breath barbara, breathe HIM in and all will be well. hope you and yours have a BLESSED CHRISTMAS.
ReplyDeleteGreat tradition. God bless you and yours with a Blessed Christmas.
ReplyDelete