Christmas Revelations

This year, I'm really struggling with what to give my kids for Christmas. In prior years, I had no problem with getting them gifts. However, I've come to the realization that we don't need anything. My kids do not need the hottest toy that will eventually gather dust in their closets or the latest video game that will soon be sold back to GameStop. They are always appreciative of what they receive. But over time, the item that they just had to have will sooner than later find a home in the Goodwill pile. Do we really need more stuff?

Now before you write me off as being a Scrooge, hear me out. Because my primary love language is gift giving, I stress out over if they are getting enough presents. I try to stretch my dollars so that they feel like they had a full Christmas. Yet after much evaluation, the boys have Christmas at our house, then onto my side of the family, then round 3 at my in-law's house. That is 3 Christmas celebrations in one day! Do I need to wear the weight of providing a Christmas palooza when they are getting that at 2 other houses and then some?

Maybe instead of filling our tree with gifts, we should use that money toward taking them somewhere. I would rather give the kids a memorable experience than more stuff. Are the kids mature enough to process that as a gift or will they feel slighted? I'm not sure how to proceed. Someone please chime in.

On a side note, I'm learning to loosen the reins when it comes to Christmas decor. After 11 years of being a control freak and putting up the decor by myself, this is the first year that the whole family decorated the tree. This is also the first year that I've allowed the train set to be set up under the tree even if it doesn't go with the look of my tree. It still looks amazing. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is an interesting holiday. It's a major one because honoring mom is a big deal. However, I don't plan for it the same way I do for other holidays like Christmas, Valentines Day, and Easter. I always scramble at the last minute to get a gift and brunch plan together. This year, I'm going to be proactive and plan earlier for my Mom. She deserves it. Here's some ideas:

• Mother Daughter Tea at Capital Christian Center- I've been going to this event for the past couple years and I love it. It's an opportunity to dress like a lady, eat yummy food, and enjoy listen to some great music. There is also an encouraging word given, so you always feel refreshed. Set your calendar for May 12th at 11am. Cost is $17.
• Shutterfly.com- Who doesn't love a personalized gift? They will put a picture on anything from an iPhone case to a deck of cards to a blanket (yeah, a blanket). I've used Shutterfly.com several times and have zero complaints.
• Brunch at the High-Hand Conservatory. Located in Loomis, Ca, this place is an absolute treasure. It is a plant nursery and restaurant combined, offering great dishes and beautiful views of the nursery. We had a phenomenal time taking my mom there for Mother's Day two years ago. Get a reservation quick; they go fast!
• Memory Box- If your mom saves everything, give her a keepsake box for her photos and others cherished memories. You can spend an evening going through them with her.
• Time. Sometimes it's not about the gift itself, it's more about the time spent together. As we kids get older and busier, giving mom an experience rather than stuff becomes more valuable. Maybe you can get pedicures together or be intentional about giving your mom your undivided attention and leave the phone in the car.

I hope these ideas inspire you to give Mom your best. If you're curious about the worst gifts for Mom, check out my blog entry, "Thanks for my Mother's Day gift...Now where's the gift receipt?"