My Smart Mother-in-law

from Ben's mom

My husband told me a few days ago that his mom would buy him and his siblings toys at garage sales in the summer and then put them away and wrap them up as Christmas presents. As I looked at Ben's baskets of toys I thought perhaps that would have been a good idea. It gave me that added bit of determination to keep the tub of Duplo Legos (that I bought for $5) put away until Christmas.

Someone told us a few months ago that Christmas is so fun at this age because little ones are happy with a gift or two that just cost a few dollars. Or even the wrapping paper off of other's gifts. "Wait until they are 16," she said. "Then they start getting unreasonable and asking for cars, cell phones, and X-boxes." I'd like to think Ben will be smart enough not to ask, but if he does, I'm sure his dad will be willing to take turns with me giving him the "when I was a child" speech. Though frankly, Mike's is a little better than mine because I am not sure I ever was given garage sale toys. But I bet my mom is reading this and thinking, "What a good idea! I wish I'd thought of that when the kids were young."

I am absolutely determined to give to my kids the understanding that Christmas is not about "me" and the good stuff I get. It is about giving to others. Before our household receives any gifts, we plan to give first to those in our community who need material things, or a smile for the spirit.

A lot of people balk at the materialism of Christmas and while I agree that it is out of hand, I don't have any problem going to the mall to look for gifts and enjoying a decaf Gingerbread latte at the same time. But I hope when my kids and I are shopping someday that their first and favorite stop will be the wishing tree to pick a need of someone else to shop for. After all, we've already received the greatest gift we could ever ask for, and it is for this reason that we have anything to celebrate at all. He is the reason for the season.