Okay, I was ready... I was prepared in what I would say but before I state my case I asked her, "Well, Madison what was your response to their reaction?" She says, "Well, mom I just told them that Jesus only got 3 gifts and plus I get stuff at my Dad's house too so I'm very lucky." I was surprised and very proud that she didn't use that opportunity to guilt me into more gifts and that she put Jesus first. I did however explain to her that when people are showered with numerous gifts that they sometimes do not appreciate them as much. That if she got 15 gifts within a week she couldn't even remember what the items were? I also explained that if we spend less money on ourselves; we can help those that do NOT have anything at all or very little. So, if she could give 2 gifts to another child would she, of course she would... we ALL should. Lastly, Jesus' birthday is why we celebrate Christmas. This day has became commercialized, how much money can you spend, families go into debt for years to purchase items they don't even need, the bigger better gifts, the hottest new toy. God didn't give his son to die on the cross so that we can get the BIG screen 40' TV. Jesus was given 3 gifts at his birth, my kids receive 3 gifts to HONOR Jesus.
Luckily, I didn't have to plead my case to my daughter that Christmas really isn't about us at all. It is about what we have already received "Jesus as our savior" and what we can give to others "Christ like love." Now that is a *reason* to celebrate the holidays! Here is a video that my dear friend posted on my personal facebook page. Please take a moment to watch the video because it will touch your heart.