The day I became a mother my life changed. It took on a greater meaning. Life is no longer all about me. Its about sacrifice. And a lot of it! But its rewarding in a way I never could have imagined. For that I am grateful for the endless days of sacrifice.
I could go on for hours about all the ways my life has changed. How some things just don't matter anymore and others matter so much more. How I take in the small moments so much more because they are gone in a flash. Or how my heart is overjoyed far more by this tiny human being than anything else in the world. Yes, I could go on for hours! But what I want to talk about today is how having a baby has changed my perspective on holiday traditions. And since Christmas is right around the corner I will start there.
I had the best childhood! I didn't miss out on much! The tree was always surrounded by presents and stockings were filled to the brim. Though I suppose even more than the gifts I was blessed with always being surrounded by friends and family. Love never lacked in my home. EVER! And presents under the tree were just a small, fun way for my parents to show that love. And now as a mother, I believe that giving is far better than receiving. The joy you feel when they see those gifts... Priceless! I want this for Amelia! Who doesn't? But what I want even more than this is for her to know the REAL Christmas story. The purpose for this holiday. The joy behind it. The joy of a baby boy born to save the world. Yes friends, this is what matters. And this is what I want her to remember and celebrate.
So how do you do both? What traditions do you have in your home? How do you make the love for a baby boy born in a manger more important than the love for consumerism?
