Ways to a Simpler Christmas

After hearing how many of my close friends have really long To-Do Lists this time of year, I thought I would offer some solace to, a) those of you who loathe list-making and just want to let yourself soak up all Christmas-time has to offer and b) those of you who thrive on lists but are so over the never-ending tasks of Christmas.

*Disclaimer*

This is only going to be of help for those in the b) category if you are willing to surrender your past ideals. If you make yourself crazy with your lists, and you love to do so, then, this article will be of no help.

In the past, I have discussed on this blog how our family relishes in the simplicity of our Christmas (here and here). Now, I am not going to share every single aspect of our Christmas celebration here... that is not the point of this post. However, I am going to share the things that are derived from a list of craziness, but they are fewer in number, they are less intense, toned down several notches, we move more slowly while we do them, and we savor each moment involved. We have a greater appreciation for these simpler things than we've had for many more things in Christmases past.

Let me start by saying that even last year, when we had a simple Christmas planned and in order, the Lord simplified it even more by timing my surgery for December 17th. That really made us prioritize, slow down even more, and enjoy that which was the reason for this season.

Gonzalez Ways to a Simpler Christmas

• Our past tradition of sending Christmas cards was re-arranged to become, instead, an Easter tradition. We now send cards at Easter, and that alone takes quite a bit off one's list. We still include a family photo and letter - it just arrives at a different time of year.
• We purchase one gift for each child, and David and I abstain from gifts for each other. For most of you, your jaw is on the floor now. The first times in our marriage that we did this, it was an adjustment. But, now, we don't miss the gifts. Now, keep in mind that neither Dave nor I have a Primary Love Language of Gifts. If we did, this might be catastrophic, and if your Primary Love Language is Gifts, or your spouse's is, I don't recommend this!
• We put up a few strings of lights on the front of the house, but we don't purchase or use elaborate lawn decorations or lights that cover the yard. There is nothing wrong with lots of lights! They are beautiful! We just do a simpler version and the look on the kids' faces is still one of delight and wonder as they watch the twinkling lights.
• We attend a Christmas Eve Service at our church. Keeps our focus in the right place on the Eve of the biggest Commercial holiday! We LOVE to attend Christmas Eve service, and it's such a joy to see our church 'family' on this holiday, too!
  
• We bake, but mostly just for the experience of baking. We keep a few sweets on hand for the kids to enjoy during the holiday, but we don't keep a long list of those to bake for. Yes, it is wonderful to let all those folks know how important they are to us, and that we are thankful for them. But, let's be honest - they are not in fellowship with us because of what we give them at Christmas. For that same reason:
• We don't purchase gifts for other families outside our own, except for families in need. See previous note.

So, these are just some of the ways our family chooses to lead a simpler Christmas season. We have found that we are much more free to enjoy time with those we love when the opportunities arise because we are not pressed with to-do's. We avoid the commercial side of Christmas at all costs, and do not allow ourselves to spend based on our emotions. By offering our family this simplicity, we pray that our children will grow up understanding there are no 'have-to-do's' to make Christmas happen. Remember what I said in 2008: "in spite of the absence of all other practical preparations, He chose to send His only son, our Lord, to this earth and provide the one gift none of us would be alive without."

Christmas is coming, and it will be here, whether your list is complete or not! Make your heart ready, and be blessed. Let the rest stay where it belongs... on the list.