I love the holiday season. In my opinion there’s nothing better than when the air turns crisp, Starbucks seasonal beverages return, and costumes go on the shelves. A mantra starts in my head, like “Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas.” And I get excited about traditions like watching Hocus Pocus and carving pumpkins at Halloween, grocery shopping with my mom and making oyster stuffing at Thanksgiving and matching pajamas and stuffing stockings at Christmas. I *may* be a person that goes overboard at the holidays.
Before my baby arrived, I had planned to follow the three Christmas gift policy – something to read, something to wear, and something he really wants – and not go overboard. (Some people do four – need, read, wear, want – and that’s cool too. You can read more about that HERE.) I thought this idea would make each item really special and still be manageable as he grows and his things get more expensive. Not to mention, it ties the gifts back to the religious holiday itself as baby Jesus got three gifts from the three wise men.
However, as I begin to flip through catalogs and browse my favorite boutiques on Instagram, I find myself thinking “How in the world am I going to stick to three gifts?” After all, this kid has 2 Halloween costumes, a turkey outfit and turkey pajamas, and already has some Christmas jammies. (See what I mean about going overboard?) Is it bad not to? If he doesn’t get three presents when he’s little, will we be able to pull it off later? I don’t want to set up expectations or a situation that would be challenging later on when his toys, clothes, and books are not as reasonable as they are now. His dad and I will actually be the ones opening his presents this year. Isn’t the first Christmas a time for new parents to really enjoy playing Santa for the first time? Also, isn’t this the perfect opportunity to purchase the clothes that he actually will need in the upcoming months?
All this thinking about how many gifts I will give my child got me to thinking about other giving during the holiday season. Yes, presents are an exciting part of Christmas and it is easy to focus on material giving even as an adult. Giving of time and energy can be just as, if not more, rewarding and a great learning opportunity for children. Whether my child gets 3 gifts or more, I want to raise someone who is generous and knows how to give to others, especially around the holidays. I will always remember a kind and heartfelt note of thanks that my family received after sending a Christmas package to a soldier through Operation Care package. I want my child to have these types of Christmas memories, as well.
In doing a little research, I stumbled upon some different volunteer opportunities in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. One local organization that has a need for holiday volunteers is the City Gospel Mission. From coat, hat, and glove drives to sorting food to answering the phone for a radio-thon, there is something that everyone can do.
Freestone Foodbank is another great place to volunteer in the area to help with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. One cool event they have coming up is the Bengals food drive on November 16th, where they will collect donations at Paul Brown Stadium prior to Texans game. According to their website, they were able to provide 57,000 meals as a result of last year’s drive.
Of course, these are just two area organizations. There are many more ways that families can give and teach their little ones about giving: adopting someone from the angel tree, donating old toys and clothes to Goodwill, sending a care package to a soldier, or doing something through your church or child’s school are all great alternatives.
I’ll probably continue to go back and forth on the gifts. Just chalk it up to new parent hormones and idealism, but the one thing I can say for sure is I am excited to start our giving traditions as a family of three this holiday season.
