Planting a Seed in Your Stocking

Before I get too deep in this Christmas Revolution, I wanted to share how it started for me... 

A few years ago a friend of mine began a conversation with me questioning the reason why we give gifts at Christmas time.  He suggested that maybe it was a tradition that we could let go of or simplify. He said, "Why give gifts at Christmas? Why not just give gifts throughout the year when you see or think of something someone would love? Why wait until Christmas?" To be honest I was offended at the thought! How dare he suggest this! Kids love opening presents at Christmas. That is just what you do! But the seed had been planted and over time it continued to grow.

The year that it finally began to sprout was the year that we had no money for gifts, we barely had enough for food, gas and rent. Sad at the thought of not giving gifts to my kids I scrimped and saved and did a little extra work to make sure I could buy them what they wanted for Christmas. But knowing that what I could make on the side was barely going to be enough for the kids' presents, The Mr. and I decided that we would not exchange gifts that year. Being a girl, I secretly hoped he would surprise me. But knowing for sure that I wouldn't be getting me anything, because when you tell The Mr. that he is off the hook, we all know he will gladly give up his Christmas Eve dash to the store to get something, I started to wonder how it might feel not getting anything for Christmas.

Well, I expected myself to be sad, maybe feel a little unimportant and forgotten. I knew that there would be no romantic ending to the story. But sitting there thinking I found that I didn't feel sad at all. Instead I felt this joy pierce my soul. My eyes began to tear up and I knew, I knew that I didn't want, nor did I need anything. At least not for Christmas. I had my life, thanks to my Savior. I had my family who I can be with forever, thanks to my Savior and so much more. Everything, in fact, I have because of the love of God and His grace. What more did I need? What purchased gift could have added more to that feeling? It only would have taken from it. The feeling returned any time I had a moment to pause and ponder. It was wonderful.

Then on Christmas morning, sitting in the room with a lit up tree and knowing there was nothing for me under the tree the spirit completely filled my soul with humility and joy. It was amazing! There were no distractions. Nothing to compete with the feeling that I felt, with the impressions left on my soul. It was just me and my Lord. How could I wish for anything more?

Since then we have celebrated a few more Christmas seasons. And my feeling has remained that I don't need, nor do I want to open gifts at Christmas. It is fun to watch the kids open presents that have been tucked under the tree waiting for them, but I can't help but wonder if this is keeping them from feeling what I feel each Christmas and how I can change that?

And so I am on a quest. Nurturing the little seedling that has been growing. Looking for the answers that are right for my family; it will probably change from year to year. And, of course, sharing it with the world (well, those who read the blog because I am a compulsive blogger;) in hopes of helping others feel that feeling that I felt and feel each year at Christmas time!

:)

P.S. One more thing that I love about not getting presents at Christmas: I don't have to feel guilty that I can't remember what I got last year, because I didn't actually get anything;) And the only thing I will probably remember is the impression on my soul that I can never forget. Win Win!