It Isn't Our Birthday

If we don't do gifts on Christmas how will my kids react? If we do end up doing gifts but not traditional presents will my kids be upset? How do I even bring up the idea to them, or do I just say nothing and hope that on Christmas morning they don't hate me... Well, I have been praying about it and wondering what to say and do. And the other day the perfect opportunity presented itself to me:)

One morning after watching a video on the death and resurrection of Christ my oldest son got curious and asked when Jesus' birthday is. At first my heart jumped as I thought, this is the perfect time to bring it up to them. I explained that Christmas was when we celebrate Jesus birthday. (I figured they new this and they would say something like, "Oh that's right." Well instead they said, "Really?"

I was shocked. Didn't they know this?? I have done my very best to help them understand this. Well, it goes to show that they have all been a little distracted the last 5-6 years and it might actually be a good thing that we are shaking things up this Christmas:)

When we talked about how we wouldn't get gifts because it wasn't our birthday and that we would be giving gifts to Christ they actually got kind of excited. And then it faded as they couldn't think of things that Jesus would want on his birthday since he wouldn't want toys, especially because when I asked them what they liked most about birthdays and all they could think of was toys. I told them that we would be planning a few things in the next few weeks to come. I hope to be able to do a lot of service with them for those who need help most. Maybe we can even take pictures or write down what we have done and put them as ornaments on the tree.

Guys, I think this is going to work out great! Even with the good reception of this news I am still preparing myself for some sort of melt down closer to Christmas. But I am hoping the Lord will help me in teaching them how important it is to give to Christ during this special time and not worry about getting presents for ourselves.

Little Baby, I am a poor boy too, 

I have no gift to bring, That's fit to give the King

Shall I play for you, On my drum?

Then He smiled at me, Me and my drum.