Our New Christmas

We've always felt like we got too much for Christmas. Of course, we always want way too much so that contributes to the over-gifting. This year we decided to move away from the traditional gifts piled high under the tree. We still wanted to give gifts to each other, but without having to spend hundreds of dollars doing so. Our solution? Stockings! I always loved looking through my stocking as a kid. (Honestly, I also loved the gifts piled high under the tree, too.) By just stuffing stockings, we are able to give gifts without going overboard. Maybe our tradition will change, but, honestly, the kids (and us) get so much from grandparents that stockings seem like a good alternative for our little family of 4. We're going to try to emphasize that the three wise men gave gifts to Jesus and that we are celebrating his birthday. Hopefully we'll incorporate some more Jesus-centered traditions. Maybe making a birthday cake or baking cookies to give to local missions or spending the present money on angels from the angel tree. Who knows?

Our stockings all lined up in a row. No fireplace = creative solutions

 

 Kaleb's haul includes some excavator jammies, an Angry Birds toothbrush with a timer, 2 suckers, Madagascar 3, marshmallows, some Hot Wheels, and a dump truck that flips into a tank.

Peyton's haul are all things that make him happy at this age. He got some construction truck jammies, a paci thermometer, some rice cereal, a bottle of infant gas drops, some spoons for when he starts eating baby food in a couple of months, and a rattle.

I told Eric that it doesn't seem like much, but he reminded me that that was the point. This year, and for years to come, the focus won't be on over indulging in presents. He was incredibly happy with what he got and doesn't miss all the gifts from us. We'll let his Happy, P-Daddy, Mimi, Pops, and aunts and uncles spoil them. :)