Saturday, November 23, 2013

Giving-Not-Getting Christmas

I had a rather remarkable conversation with my FabFam this week.  

       It's been no secret that we've had a rough go of it this year.  We've gone through our share of sickness and loss and struggle.  It's made me--and the folks I've been walking through this season with--rethink a lot of things.  We all have a different perspective on our lives.  We have all shifted priorities.  And in the middle of all this, we are all still searching for answers to the Big Questions.  

    For me, much of this has manifested as a crisis of faith.  I've been wrestling with what I believe in and how I think I can authentically demonstrate that belief.  Once a devout Christian, I have not steadily attended any church in a while now.  With Christmas approaching, I have found myself pondering this spiritual business with more fervency.  This is the state I'm in as we enter this holiday season.

     After seeing a barrage of  Black Friday Sale commercials the other night, I noted that I am not feeling particularly warm and fuzzy about another consumer frenzy holiday season.  The idea of shopping is just too overwhelming for me.  
     
     What unfolded was the beginning of a thoughtful discussion about what kind of Christmas we do want to have.  We don't want a manic season full of shopping for gifts that have no lasting value.  We do want the season to have some meaning for us--as individuals and as a family.  We've got a ways to go yet.  This is an ongoing discussion, indeed.  What I do know is that my children amaze me.  They are willing to forego "getting" in favor of "giving."  There is talk about what kind of good deeds to do together as a family.  It has touched me deeply to find that I'm not in this alone.

     I'll keep you posted as this Giving-Not-Getting Christmas unfolds.


2 comments:

  1. Thoughtful stuff lady. I look forward to hearing what you guys get up to over the festive season, it sounds like it will be something really worthwhile :)

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  2. Aw, thanks Louisa! I just put up a wee bit of what's been happening in that direction. I'll be sure to keep you posted! (With your packing and such for your BIG MOVE, when do you find time to read blogs?! ) xo

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