Traditions

One of the fun things about having your own family is inventing your own holiday traditions, which is what we have been trying to do more of this year with Christmas. Ollie is so much more interested in Christmas this year and it has been so much fun to see him get so excited about trimming the tree and decorating our house. He even has Christmas lights on his bunk bed (idea stolen from Heidi).

We are not a particularly religious family, so our Christmas doesn't revolve around the Christian version of Christmas, but we don't want it to revolve just around Santa and getting a butt-load of presents either. I want Ollie and Henry to appreciate the spirit of giving that abounds this time of year. Not giving because you are obligated, but giving because of the joy you experience making someone else feel loved with a thoughtful gift. I want Christmas to be a time for appreciating what they have, their family, and taking time to do something for those less fortunate than us (that sounds super cliche, but I mean it, really, I do).

In an effort to impart those things on our kids, we have decided to do a few things differently this year. I don't recall where I saw the idea, but I saw an idea to pare down Christmas gift giving by limiting gifts to the following:

• Something they want;
• Something they need;
• Something to wear; and
• Something to read.

For example: Ollie is getting the Plan Toys Airport with a few extra vehicles (i.e. "want"); some fun underwear and a long sleeve shirt (i.e. "need"); REI long johns (i.e. "wear"); and two new books (i.e. "read"). I think it strikes a perfect balance. Those gifts will come from us and Santa will bring each kiddo a stocking with a selection of fun little toys, a few snacks and practical items like toothbrushes, a winter hat, cheap gloves, and like items.

After purchasing stocking stuffers, I laid them all out on the bed and realized that I went a little overboard, so I stashed a few items away for Easter baskets. It is so easy to go overboard with stockings. Next year, I will have to give myself a dollar limit.

We are also starting a tradition of Santa leaving each kid a book at the foot of their bed/crib. Mylo heard about this idea somewhere and I think it is just too cute. We are writing a fun little note from Santa in each book with the year. It will be a fun keepsake for each kid. At least until they stop believing in Santa...

We are also having each kid pick out a present (under $15) for each other. Obviously Henry is not really participating much in the present selection for Ollie this year, but Ollie did a great job of picking out the most adorable, soft stuffed bunny for Henry at the local baby store. We went to the store, just the two of us, to specifically pick something out for Henry. Ollie looked all around the store before picking the bunny. He asked if we were going to get a toy for him too, and I gently reminded him that we weren't there for to get him something, but to get a gift for Henry. Surprisingly, he was fine with it. He helped me wrap it and is all excited about keeping it a secret. I think it was a good lesson for him.

We also participated in the food drive at Ollie's school for the Bellingham Food Bank. Ollie helped me pick out a big bag of food from our cupboard and we talked about how some people didn't have enough food and where the donations were going. I don't think he really got it, but it is good for him to start to have awareness that not everyone is a fortunate as he is. In the future, I would like to plan as a family where we will make a charitable donation and have the kids contribute from their own money to that donation. Maybe next year...