A new family tradition?

This year we decided that there really aren't many things that we really NEED. In view of that fact we are limiting our spending to far below what we have spent on Christmas in the past. The kids are spending $5-10 on each other and we are spending around $30 on each person. Our large gifts to each other will work this way: the boys will pick anitem out of the World Vision catalog to "give" to the girls and the girls will do the same for the boys.

I have to admidt that I had my doubts, I like getting and giving gifts! But I am finding that my excitement about Christmas has not lessened, it remains the same. I also get excited thinking about using the money to help people who REALLY need it! The kids are totally excited about it and have both picked out simple items, but ones that I have no doubt will be loved!

We are hoping that this will become a tradition that our kids can pass on to their kids, the tradition of giving to those in need because that is who Jesus came for! We will be praying that the gifts we give will express the love of our Lord.

The real meaning of Christmas is not the giving and receiving of presents, but remembering the gift we have already received!! May we remember!!!