I brought my son home in 1996 and for his first Christmas and we went WILD!!! He had so many gifts that we could hardly get into the living room on Christmas morning. He was my "first born" and the first grandchild, nephew, Godchild...you get the picture. Two years later, when I brought home a 2nd baby, we over-indulged again. His reign as the only child was ending.
About 5 years ago, we decided to not buy gifts for family exchange, but adopted an area family and bought gifts for them. That was such a blessing and the kids loved it. We had planned on that being our family tradition, but then I re-opened my home for foster care and that created this whole other situation. I had great foster care workers that were very diligent in getting gifts for the kids placed in my home. They also got gifts for my kids and not just a few trinkets... our cup over, overflowed. So much so, that we could not possibly open them all on Christmas. When kids left our home to go to new families, we were able to send huge boxes of new clothes and toys with them.
Last year, we were able to provide gifts again for an area family and the children are asking to do it this year as well. We are also doing something different for ourselves. We are doing, "dollar store Christmas." The 8 of us are buying gifts for the other 7 from the dollar store only. While the quality of the gifts may not be high, the value of the giving ranks way up there. As always, we sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and enjoy good food and family fun.
Merry Christmas to all who read this. We here at MHS wish you love, happiness and contentment.
Peace,
:)De
3 comments:
What an amazing gift you and your family are giving and receiving! My boys have done something similar here. The last couple years they have gone to Japanese orphanages with gifts that they themselves pick out. They both have a great time!
That's such a wonderful generous story. That's how you teach the true meaning of Christmas!
Have a great holiday!
:)De, What a beautiful gift you are giving your children - they will grow up with the right ideas in their hearts about love, Christmas and joy. 22 years ago, before we had children of our own we took in an orphan for Christmas. He is now 34 and is considered a member of our family. He has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and so has the mentality of an 11 year old. First, he was like a big brother to our children as they were born, then as they surpassed him in mental years, he's like the little brother. He's with us for every holiday and many times in between. 22 years ago we wanted to know what if felt like to give of our hearts - and so now we know. Merry Christmas to you and your dear family.
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