There is a sense of entitlement that all children have during this festive time. We all have Jolly ol’ Saint Nick to thank for that. Much like the Tooth Fairy, there is a prolific comparison out there among the young spirits, when it comes to what magical goods they receive. THIS is where I will make my declaration to my children:
“Santa is mindful too.”
Santa can choose wisely, his lot to give. He can discern what each child should have according to their life, and their way of living it. Santa is careful in making sure he respects the standards of each home and the purpose of his gifts…
To bring joy. Not plenty.
As each year passes, I find myself being more diligent with my giving. My kids are older and their wishes from “Santa” and mom and dad are devastatingly more expensive.
Back when they were little ones, it was easy to drench them with toys by making a killing at the second hand stores. But now, they are too old for that nonsense. They want the big stuff. They are also well aware that the big stuff is simply that:
Stuff.
They have learned the art of discernment, when it comes to spending. I’m a stickler for it. They have taken in every shopping trip and coupon used, every choice I have made that speaks “mindful money management”. And they are learning how to make good choices. I am proud of this lesson they learn as they grow.
When my kids have a few bucks to spend, they walk into a store and with the spirit of a child, they grab and squeal and embrace the impulse of desire. BUT. Then they carefully think through the cost.
The cost.
What is the cost of this thing I want? Is it really worth it? Will it be valuable to me for a long time, or just for a moment? Am I willing to let go of my money for this?
They often put it back. Over and over again. I watch them go through the process of discernment. I have helped them along the way, walking them through this process with suggestions and gentle nudges. It pleases me more than anything, to see the values of money resonate in their little lives this early. I pray it continues.
With Christmas around the corner, there comes an entirely new level of mindful money management!
Santa knows the heart of each child. Therefore, he will honor it by bringing gifts that are in line with the child’s long taught, hard earned values. Santa will carefully select the gifts that will please both the child and the parents, and establish unity within the family morals. My kids want all kinds of stuff, but they also know better.
In our home, Santa will have character. And he will be lifted up high not because of his goods, but because of his giving. Not because of all that he provides, but more in how he shares his provisions.
Santa my friends, can be used for good. Not for goods.
May Santa respect and reflect your family’s values and virtues this Holiday Season~
Ho Ho Ho! Merry Mindful Christmas!
If you agree, share!
Loved your thoughts of using Santa for good not goods. Seriously, do have to keep this in mind even though, I have small kids still who look to Santa for all he can bring them to teach them he is a good man who could bring happiness and good will to all. Thanks, Chris!!:)
I didn’t have to worry about it when my kids were little either! As they grow, it’s a new ballgame. And I am trying to learn how to ‘bend the rules’- to meet the needs and values of our family. Enjoy your precious little ones, my friend!
Hmmmmm. Haven’t thought about Santa in this way. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!
It’s a new idea I came up with, and I am so glad I did. It makes sense to me… 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my friend!
Heading over immediately!
You’re such a love Tamara!!! Thanks sweet friend!! XOXOXO
Headed over right now! 🙂 Can’t wait to read!-Ashley
Thanks SO much Ashley!!! I think you might like this perspective!! 🙂
How do you manage to always hit the nail on its head? I’ve never even thought of it like that before but it is perfect! Heading over to read right now!
I really had one of those “AH HA!” moments about it recently… because the kids are getting older and although Santa is all about giving our kids SO many “goods”- they can also become much more aware of measuring their “lot” with their family values- not with their friends’- or all the other influences in their world.
There’s a lot to be taught about GREED. It’s everywhere- and always will be.
I love you for stopping by, sweet friend!!! XOXO
Good tease. Headed there now. BTW, I’ve missed you. Been slow getting around to some of my favorite blogs 🙂
Oh Hope!! I have SO missed you too!!! I know how crazy busy you are my friend… thank you for taking your precious time to come by!!! XOXO
can’t wait to read this!
Thanks Leah!!! I can’t wait to head over and see your response!! Thanks love! 🙂
Headed over and sounds fantastic!
Thanks so so much for stopping by sweet friend!!! SO grateful!! XOXO
Loved this post. Our daughters are starting to learn the concept of money. Our 3-year-old carries around her quarters in a little purse so she can buy random toy machine junk when we go out. She has also recently learned that the advertisements she sees on TV are real toys. So we get to listen to her ever evolving wish list. It is cute for the time being =)
It starts early, doesn’t it Melissa? It’s amazing how they grow to learn about the significance of money and ‘things’… and desires. We can start to teach them even at three, the lessons of greed versus good. They don’t understand much of it then, but how we practice our values will sink in as they grow. Thanks so much for stopping by!!! SO grateful!
Yes to joy, not plenty. Heading there now!
Exactly Kristi!!! I’m so grateful you stopped by, my friend! XO
{Melinda} Chris, keeping the focus on Jesus at Christmas is always my goal and I can’t say that I’ve done the job I’ve wanted to do. So often, I get caught up on the busyness of all the “urgent” and lost the spotlight on the Most Important.
Sounds like you are doing a good job with your kiddos. 🙂
I get that Melinda- this is the hardest time to focus on the actual ONE we should be attending to! Some years seem better than others, ya know?
God knows your heart, and He knows the faith that exudes His Name in who you are every day.
He knows mine too. And yet, I know He wants more. For us both. XO
What a new and NEEDED perspective. Wish I would’ve read this before we left for breakfast with Santa this morning; I could’ve put a face to the new philosophy for my kiddos. GREAT ideas, Chris!
I am SO glad you are on board with this perspective Stephanie!! It really is a good one to teach our kiddos. You still have time, my friend!!! I love LOVE that you will join me!!! XOXO
Can’t wait to check out the full post. When my girls are older, I really want them to see Christmas as a time for giving more than receiving.
I think when they are little, it’s so fun to bring on all the magic you can muster!! But as they get older and are learning more about this world and all the “stuff” they can have… that’s when Santa needs a new “hat”! Hope you liked it!!!
Thanks for coming over Nicole!! XOXO
You know I’m off to read it! 🙂
OH GOOD!!! I will head over there and see what you thought!! 🙂