The one where the kids make out like bandits!

Christmas, as far as the commercial side of it, is less of a big deal as you get to be an adult. While the kids are looking forward to their presents, we parents are wondering how much it will all cost, by the time it's all said and done. It's really very depressing at times, but then, one has to realize, Christmas is absolutely not about these things. Santa, presents, lighted trees, crowded malls, people who cut you off in traffic (Wait! That's not just during Christmas!), and family get-togethers are all extraneous to what Christmas is really about. It's all about a baby. But that's hard to keep in mind in the moment, because it is really great to see your kids having so much joy in opening their packages under the tree. It makes me think of how I used to view Christmas as well; with such excitement and anticipation for the presents, with little thought to the baby Jesus. So while I was grabbing fistfuls of wrapping paper torn off in glee by my little one and discarded on the floor, I tried to keep in mind the real meaning of Christmas once again. Then watching as two garbage bags full of toys grew before my eyes, it became easier to think about how blessed we are. I felt guilty that our girls had gotten so many things; nice things and fun things, but nevertheless, things that really are a distraction in the end. I want them both to know that even though they may make out like bandits for the amount of gifts they receive, this is not Christmas. It's not even about the joy of giving and receiving. All the traditions and all the family closeness doesn't begin to hold a candle to the awe of Jesus-who-is-God becoming a baby here on earth. That's where the joy should be.