The Four Gift Rule

Prior to 2017, Santa didn't make it to our house. Or perhaps he did, and we just didn't notice...
In any case, when the boys saw the miracle of their prayed-for sister come true, they believed in all kinds of magic - even the kind we didn't really pay attention to before. They got big presents that year, and they were overjoyed. Then last year, we went on holiday over Christmas, and they were just glad that Santa could find them in another location. They got smaller gifts, that could fit into our suitcases coming home. Now it's 2019, and we aren't going anywhere. In fact, we are doing a working staycation, and dealing with the disappointment of kids who just assumed that we would forever travel to a Winter Wonderland for Christmas every December. If only. Suddenly there's a lot of pressure on poor Santa.

I think we're lucky that we have pretty understanding kids. By this I mean, they are well aware of the real meaning of Christmas, and are not overly invested in all the festive hype with demands for lavish gifts. Still, increasingly - and not just over Christmas - we have been feeling the strong pull to turn our collective focus on getting stuff, and just simplify our lives. That includes the excess of almost everything, everywhere.

I read about The Four Gift Rule / Christmas Challenge a couple years ago, and it - along with a viral post about expensive gifts from Santa - has stuck with me ever since. We are in the fortunate position to be able to offer the kids a couple nice treats throughout the year. We get them the things they need, as the need arises; we try to make (bigger) family memories at least a couple times each holiday; they have more toys than they can look after; and in their short lives they have had opportunities many others don't get in 80 years on the earth. We want them, especially at Christmas, to learn about the gift and joy of giving, and the value of people and time together - not things. And so, anything over and about these four gifts, is an extra blessing, and requires them to share some of what they already have with those who don't.

So if you're a member of our circle who would traditionally buy gifts for our kids, I know we're a mere two weeks away; still, please don't feel that you need to get them anything. They love your presence and your time, and if you really want to, please support us and get them something off this four-point list. Likewise, if you have kids that we buy gifts for, please don't feel offended if we do the same.