I have been thinking about Christmas a lot lately. I’ve been wondering what to do, which gift will be best for which child, how much money will I go over my budget, how many decorations are out of style and need to be replaced, etc. AND EVERY YEAR I say, “I am going to do less” and just enjoy the season with my family (my husband can attest to this). I do really well until the Christmas commercials start showing, the lights and trees are twinkling in all of the stores, the music is playing over the speakers, and other people are talking to me about the good deals they found. It seems commercialism takes over my good intentions and I get caught up in the moment.
Well folks, the time has come – THIS YEAR! I am making a blog and I expect anyone who reads this to hold me to my quest: SIMPLIFY the things and EMPHASIZE the feelings! (Quality vs. Quantity if you will.) If I analyze what kind of message I want to leave with my children about Christmas – it isn’t about lots of things it’s about feelings.
The gifts should be the salad and the thoughts and feelings of the Savior should be the main course. How and when did commercialism over shadow the most amazing miracle in history? Proper balance seems to be what needs to happen, right? So this year I am hoping to stir up many more opportunities to have feelings of giving, serving, loving, sharing AND less time, money, and energy on the other stuff!
Comments:
Patricia said…
Great blog, Jodi. You sure have things together! You’ve always been a good thinker of what is right! Love you, Mom
Friday, November 07, 2008 12:52:44 PM
Diana said…
AMEN!
Saturday, November 08, 2008 12:11:08 PM
Dad Parker said…
I have scratched my head a few times as I’ve seen people stress out over making “Simplify” signs. I’m afraid I complicate things a lot myself in many ways.
Saturday, November 08, 2008 3:22:27 PM
michelle p said…
Jodi-you amaze me-great thoughts. I could use a biy of that attitude myself.
Sunday, November 09, 2008 9:08:10 PM
Meg said…
Thanks for that great insight. Maybe we could all commit together and have a sort of a “Christmastime less is more club”. I esp. like your idea that the presents are the salad and the thoughts and spirit of Christ is the main course–we don’t have to get rid of everything, just shift the focus and everything takes care of itself.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:22:58 PM
Whitney said…
Jodi- I say that every year, but like you said when the lights come out I forget. Sometimes in my attempt to simplify, I try to come up with ideas to make our time quality and get stressed out. If you get any ideas let me know. This year my family is going to forget some gifts and go spend time at a cabin together without any of the usual interruptions that occur with the holidays. I’m excited thanks for the thought.
Friday, November 14, 2008 12:25:52 PM