Saturday was Christmas shopping day. Daniel and I took Nate to Target, where we loaded our cart with LEGOs, socks, t-shirts, and candy. Nate wanted to look at Hot Wheels, but we reminded him that we weren’t shopping for us, but for other kids who wouldn’t receive the multiple gifts he would.
I’m not sure he understood giving, but we’re working on it.
It’s pretty much Christmas season at the Archer house. The decorations aren’t up and Bing Crosby isn’t crooning, but the planning and preparation are nearly at late December proportions. This probably makes me sound like an organizing freak, but honestly, I love doing the holidays like this. Planning, crafting, and buying all year is fun. The thrill of the hunt lasts all year and frankly, if I left everything until December, it would be more stressful and less, well, holiday. So I stock my gift closet slowly, finding a toy in March and a book in June. In August, I’ll research craft ideas for Nate and make sure we have the right supplies.
And those goodies from Target?
They’ll join a few boxes of more items we’ve been collecting for Operation Christmas Child. Daniel and I will help Nate put them into shoeboxes this week and then send them on their way. The organization hands them out to children half a world away to show them love and the giving that Christmas represents.
I love collecting toys, candy, and clothing throughout the year for the big week of packing boxes. It’s a strong visual reminder for Nate that these items, all of which he longs to enjoy himself, are going to others who have less. Giving year round out of our excess is difficult to teach a three year old, but I hope the toys help make that point. Even a Slinky can show love.
During the holidays, I hear more people criticizing Christmas and its overwhelming materialism. This is a valid point and one we should consider. To me, though, Christmas is about giving: giving carefully selected gifts to family and friend as a way to remind them of our love, giving of time and care during a busy season, and giving practically and financially to those with less. Giving, now, and in December, should be abundant, unending.
Such extravagance knows no season.