The more I shift into adulthood, I’ve been here a while, I realize I don’t want a bunch of stuff for Christmas. I enjoy curating gifts. Tailoring them to the receiver. However, the more I see the common child habit of playing with a toy for a few days, weeks, hours then tossing it aside the more I push towards a set of gifting rules.

 

These are the things I ask myself when it comes time to give gifts:

 

Of things that fall on this list, memorable is my favorite and I tend to move towards gifting experiences we share together. As we age we more than likely won’t remember that super popular toy we got and played with twice. Though we may remember that time Auntie took us to a rage room to throw paint everywhere; where she played with us. Or that time our parents took us to a new place and we explored as a family.

 

There is no mistaking that Christmas can be an expensive time of year. There is a lot of pressure to buy decor and gift items we can’t afford. If you cannot; do not and do not feel bad about it.

 

With confidence I will say that, whether Christmas is a religious or secular holiday for you, the key aspect of the holiday is love. To give and to show love. Whether it is to God, family, friends, or community. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed this season remember love is the best gift we can share and it isn’t marked with a price tag.  

 

Merry Christmas.

By Alyssa Becker,  Boy Mom, BG Born & Raised, Children’s Book Author & Illustrator

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The ringing of the bells and holiday smells -

Halls that are decked and lists that are checked -

Decorations through town and joy all around -

Vacation days and time to play -

Happy smiles and cheers across the miles -

Mistletoe above and expressions of love -

Cards in the mail and The St. Nick tale -

Glimmers there & here and loved ones near -

The tree lit up bright and wrapped gifts in sight –

Carolers on the lawn and sweet sounds all month long –

In-home celebrations and grand destinations -

A festival of cheer to round out the year –

And while I’m being vocal, remember to SHOP LOCAL!!

By Jessica Jo Morris - a BG native, a fun family/framily member, a lover of nature and one who can always find the good.