How do you uncommercialize Christmas?

[luckyduckies]

I am trying to get away from the commercial,keep up with the Jones holiday!What do you do to keep the commercial side out & the spirit in Christmas?

[jkelstaten]

Well, for starters we don't watch TV.

We don't take the kids with us to the stores very much to start with, so during the Christmas season it's even less. We do a lot of homemade crafts for decorations & gifts.

With each Christmas activity we do, we are sure to talk to the kids about what Christmas is about.

The result has been that while our kids do love the gifts that they receive, they really enjoy spending time with the family and talking about God.

[Cynthiabutterfly]

With a KISS - Keep It Simple, Silly!

Make a big deal about putting out a few decorations, and decorating the tree. Make some sweets and give a few as presents, even if its for neighbors or coworkers. Stay away from the malls and the tv and spread some Christmas cheer with handmade decorations and Christmas cards.

[mrssherwin]

We try to focus on being thankful for what we have and the value of our family and friends. I think it also important to maintain a giving, thankful attitude year-round. We must purposefully teach our children that true happiness is not found in the things you own, but who you are...and Who's you are. If our families see us live this attitude the other 364 days of the year...Christmas will not be any different.

That said...I don't think there is anything wrong with appreciating the festiveness of the season...some of my favorite memories involve family times around the Christmas holiday. I don't recall many of the gifts, but I do cherish the smells, the flavors, the sounds, the lights and the relationships that were enjoyed. Those can be celebrated without going overboard or into debt.

[jolee]

Great thread! I'll be checking back for ideas!

We make a birthday cake for Jesus. We also make ornaments for the tree and of course the paper snowflakes. :)

[gradstudentwife]

We try to focus on being thankful for what we have and the value of our family and friends. I think it also important to maintain a giving, thankful attitude year-round. We must purposefully teach our children that true happiness is not found in the things you own, but who you are...and Who's you are. If our families see us live this attitude the other 364 days of the year...Christmas will not be any different.

That said...I don't think there is anything wrong with appreciating the festiveness of the season...some of my favorite memories involve family times around the Christmas holiday. I don't recall many of the gifts, but I do cherish the smells, the flavors, the sounds, the lights and the relationships that were enjoyed. Those can be celebrated without going overboard or into debt.

THAT is what Chirstmas is all about! Memories are the "things" that we keep forever- as well as our relationships with family and friends.To get the most "value" out of Christmas, spend your time and effort on the things that count the most.