By Emily Saunders

Can you believe it…. Christmas is HERE!!   Adler wasn’t so sure about Santa this year and it got me thinking… neither are a lot of parents including his own.

This year my husband and I spent  A LOT of time talking and praying about traditions we want to start over the next few years as Adler will begin to understand Christmas.  We keep asking ourselves the questions “What do we want Christmas to LOOK and FEEL like for our family?”

There are so many choices… Santa or no Santa?  How many gifts is “appropriate” and “fair” without becoming “over-indulgent”, is an Elf a good or bad thing?  How do we best focus on Jesus at Christmas?  How can we serve as a family?  How do we teach that Christmas isn’t all about receiving, but that giving is the true spirit of the holiday?  How can we pull all of our family on board with whatever we decide?  What traditions are worthwhile and meaningful without feeling like “to dos”?

Ya’ll… I’m kinda worn out over it and we haven’t even really DONE most of it yet!  There is SO MUCH judgement out there about the “right” way for Christians to celebrate Christmas with kids and how to spend our time, money, and energy.  Everyone has an opinion and it’s probably different than the last one you heard.

My hat goes off to you Moms who have figured out the right formula for your family.  If you’re feeling kind of overwhelmed about it all like I am I encourage you to do a few things.

1.  First and foremost:  PRAY.  Ask the spirit to guide you in making the decisions that are best for your family.

2.  Seek guidance from your mentors:  I have lots of  Mommy friends at various ages and stages whom I turn to for advice.  Some of these invaluable mentors have children just a tiny bit older than mine, others are 5 or so years ahead, and still others have kids high school and college.  Ask them for their perspective about celebrating Christmas and what it has meant for their family over the years.  Sometimes refreshingly simple things can have an incredible impact on children.

3.  Reflect on your own experience:  What was Christmas like in your house growing up?  What traditions meant the most to you?  What were you most excited about?  What do you best remember?  Recreating old memories can be so beautifully nostalgic and special for quality family time.

4.  Exude Love:  These are tough decisions for most families.  Love other Moms.  Respect their decisions.  Don’t allow differences in Christmas celebrations to affect your friendships. Listen.  Offer loving and honest advice, but only if it’s requested.  Is Santa’s presence or absence really for conflict and strife?

5.  Practice and Adjust:  God willing your family will share many holidays together.  If something doesn’t “work” then don’t do it again.  Don’t stress over “trying” something.  Isn’t that what parenthood’s all about… trial and error.   If your kids get too caught u
p in commercialism over something you thought would be “fun” then don’t do it next year.  Simple as that.   Don’t allow the stress of wondering if it will “work” as you hope ruin a potentially great family activity or moment.  Same goes for the other way around.  If you feel like your kids are missing out on some magic by a “Jesus Only” approach then listen to your heart.  Go back to number 1… Pray and listen to your heart and gut.