I can't believe it is almost time for the madness to begin! Every year I give myself a pep talk and start out with overly ambitious holiday ideas. From decorating the house to what kind of fun treats I want to gift to my children and husband. At least this is what plays out in my head. But then there is the plain reality of what I really have the energy for and how much I feel like spending.As I get older, I realize that my kids, as do many kids, really get too many gifts during the holidays. And, in this culture of more is better, many of us as consumers get sucked into things we might not have bought just because it was such an unbelievable deal. And, in all the hustle and bustle, the "homemade with love" gets lost and even "shopping locally" gets pushed aside.
So my personal challenge this year? To "shop local" AND pull back on the quantity of gifts I give. This year I am looking to give that ONE gift that will delight, or that ONE gift that means something to the receiver...however big or small.
And, for the parents just embarking on their very FIRST Christmas or Hanukkah with children, let me give words of wisdom I wish I knew back then: which is that there will be many more holidays after this one. Pace yourself! I know it is hard to hold back on the first Christmas.
I'm pretty sure all I have left are some great photos and a "Baby's First Christmas" ornament. Isn't that all that really matters in the end?
