Like many newlyweds, Christmas presents were usually more on the creative, not extravagant, side. (And we've tried to keep it that way, even after we could afford to do a bit more.) So along with a new job, I was busy sewing gifts for the girls and we bought little things for their Christmas morning. It was so much fun! We taped stockings to the wall and decorated a meager little tree, and I thought it was the best time ever watching the girls open their presents. I've loved Christmas morning ever since (okay I always enjoyed Christmas, but now in a new way.)
I learned during our first Christmas how much more special it could be as the parent, not the child. I love Christmas shopping and trying to surprise the kids with something special. (As a poor college student, most of my shopping fun was arriving home Christmas Eve an hour before the stores closed and my dad handing me cash and saying "go buy something for your mom from me". Don't misunderstand - he's a wonderful man, just not a shopper!) While we've always tried to keep Christmas focused on the birth of Christ, I confess to struggling with limiting my shopping for the kids, because it's just so enjoyable to watch them open their gifts. And being all together - that's the best gift of all to this mom's heart!
