Cindy and I driving up to Dunwoody this afternoon, and the subject of Christmas came up, which is appropriate at this time of November. I suppose we all are thinking about Christmas, worrying about making sure we get something appropriate for everyone on our lists.
Lists, lists. Do we really need to make sure that everyone is equally gifted? Do we need to draw names? Is it really important to set a limit for how much we spend on everyone? Is it important to fulfill lists for Christmas gifts? Should we stick to the list or is it appropriate to shop and use our imaginations to find the right gift for our loved ones?
When I was a child, my parents made a great effort to ensure that each of us three children were equally gifted. This process was good for us kids, but I wonder if it didn't just drive my parents a little crazy sometimes trying to make sure we were all equally taken care of.
I remember one time finding what I thought was the perfect gift for my grandmother: a print of Bethel College, where my aunt and my grandmother went to high school. I knew she would enjoy it and Cindy and I had it framed for Christmas. It turned out to be a nice gift which was later passed to my aunt, when my grandmother passed away. Of course, the ultimate cost of the gift dwarfed most of the other gifts we gave to others that Christmas, but I really didn't feel bad about this unequal gift and I don't think anyone felt slighted.
At the same time, I sometimes think we go overboard in our gift-giving at Christmas. We struggle to ensure that everyone is adequately gifted, with no one receiving more or less than the other. It ends creating a lot of anxiety and hides the real reason why we celebrate Christmas.
I would love to simplify the process. Erase the anxiety. Relax and enjoy the season.
Its a thought.
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