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| Christmas 2023 |
Hello everyone!
Christmas time is upon us. I wanted to share something that I wrote about a long while ago when my children were young.
I once heard some mothers talking about how their children were disappointed when they didn't receive a lot of gifts for Christmas. It saddened me. I have a word that guided my gift giving with my children.
Precedents.... What does that word mean to you?
As I was looking for definitions, most were related to law precedents. That tells me it's a pretty strong word. I am most interested in the first definition that the American Heritage Dictionary presented:
During the year, I look for gifts that I think they will enjoy. I put them away in a box until their birthdays, Christmas, or an I Love You Day. Because I don't usually give big gifts, they don't expect them. Because I don't give them often, they are thrilled when they receive one.
Does this mean my children are disappointed with their Christmas gifts? On the contrary, they are happy with what they receive. Thrilled in fact.
When we don't set a high precedent of expectation, our children are free to be grateful for the gifts they do receive. They can truly enjoy their gifts without thought of cost or quantity.
I love my children. I am not required to give them gifts. I want to give them gifts. They know that. They are thankful and enjoy the gifts because they know I am giving them out of love.
Just something to think about...
Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura
Precedents.... What does that word mean to you?
As I was looking for definitions, most were related to law precedents. That tells me it's a pretty strong word. I am most interested in the first definition that the American Heritage Dictionary presented:
"An act or instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances."
This is the definition that has been a guiding thought for me. At times, in the past, money has been tight, and some years not quite so tight. Nevertheless, I always thought about the precedents that I was setting with my children when I chose gifts for celebrating special days and holidays. For instance, even when we could afford it, and we wanted to give our children their first bicycles, we didn't buy such a gift for Christmas or a birthday. We don't give many big gifts—we never have. The receipt of their bikes was an event in itself.
During the year, I look for gifts that I think they will enjoy. I put them away in a box until their birthdays, Christmas, or an I Love You Day. Because I don't usually give big gifts, they don't expect them. Because I don't give them often, they are thrilled when they receive one.
Does this mean my children are disappointed with their Christmas gifts? On the contrary, they are happy with what they receive. Thrilled in fact.
When we don't set a high precedent of expectation, our children are free to be grateful for the gifts they do receive. They can truly enjoy their gifts without thought of cost or quantity.
I love my children. I am not required to give them gifts. I want to give them gifts. They know that. They are thankful and enjoy the gifts because they know I am giving them out of love.
Just something to think about...
Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura
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This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!
Laura Lane