Originally Posted by GailG
IMHO, Let's not forget that the reason for the Christmas season is the birth of Christ. If we live like Jesus and love like Jesus we are not so distracted with all the preparation of decorating, and food and we concentrate on preparing for his coming. Our family has downsized the "hype" by having a family get together on Christmas Eve. The little ones do get gifts, but the older teens and the adults come with only one gift. Then we play a little game and exchange gifts in that way. The next day is for church and for quiet observation of the Holy Day. We also get to do visiting with the older family members who don't get out. OK, I'll step off of my box.
Yes, we often celebrate santa clause instead of Jesus birth. We have decreased the gift exchange in our family because we did not want to put our children in the stressful position of buying everything like we were. If I had not been a sewer and crafter we would not have been able to afford gifts. We raised 6 children and I started making gifts when school started every year. I still make almost everything I give but my daughters are just not interested in making gifts. Gail