I went a little overboard for Christmas this year.

We were talking about it at dinner Saturday night.  Even the kids think I went a little nuts.  Ian said, "Mom, you did get us too much, but you sure have some happy kids right now!"

So we started talking about next year.  I explained to them that they really want for nothing.  They get everything they need, and almost everything they want.  And I really don't want to clutter their lives (and their rooms) with a bunch of stuff. 

So our goal from here on out is to do instead of have.  To collect memories instead of insignificant possessions that have so little value that they will be left behind during the next storm.

Next year for Christmas, we're going to try something I came across on the Internet.

Something you want.
Something you need.
Something you wear.
Something you read.

Ian thought it was a WAY cool idea until he counted it up.  "Wait.  Does that mean we're only getting four gifts?"  Yes.  That's what it means, but it's okay . . . because that's enough.  Plus, you'll still get gifts from others, so it will be plenty.

We can save our money to go do things . . . like New York City for Christmas.  Ian wants to go to Colorado.  I want to go to the Grand Canyon.  Max wants to go back to Minnesota.  We all want to go to Disney World.  And Emy said she wants to go to China.  

:crickets:

Well, maybe someday we'll make it to China.  Way to think big kiddo!

So that's our plan.  They all seemed on board at dinner Saturday night . . . I sure hope their enthusiasm doesn't wan throughout the year. 

L