How do you do Christmas?

I'm borrowing this post from my friend Christi.  She and her hubby are expecting one or two babies from Ethiopia next year!  I was so convicted and inspired by her words.  And I'd definitely encourage you to take time to watch the short video at the end.  

There's lots of talk around here about what traditions we want to start when our kiddos come home in 2011! For the past several Christmases (that's not a word!) at our house, it's just been Dan and I and we've made a commitment to spend more time together, spend more time in God's Word together, and spend more time talking about what we are thankful for.. and NOT buy gifts for each other. We simply don't need them. We simply don't want to spend money on things we don't need. And we simply can't stop thinking about all the kids out there that don't have a family this Christmas!

So, I'm struggling with something... struggling with knowing that joy should fill the season which ends up turning into standing in lines, to-do lists, and being stressed out. We've spent time in prayer each year asking God how He would have us do things different this year. Make memories this year. Not get caught up in consumerism this year. Has it worked... kinda, but we usually fail and are just as stressed as the rest of the world.

We have decided to MAKE (yes, like when we were kids) a lot of the gifts we are giving this year! (This is when my family rolls their eyes! :) you're in for a treat fam!). We feel like there will be much more meaning in doing so... We've also continued to limit the amount of things we commit to in order to spend time at home together... and plan to continue to do so with our kids!

So, tell us what your traditions are. Tell us how you've simplified Christmas. Tell us what you do to help your kids understand that Christmas is about Jesus... not about consumerism!

Oh, and watch this GREAT video! If you aren't convicted already, you will be after watching this! :)