I tend to get a little uncomfortable around this time of year. You've probably felt it too - the rising anxiety of a community itching to get their hot little hands on this and that (and also this) before the big man in red gets in his sleigh. Che really gets the Christmas thing this year and he's subsequently bursting with excitement. We've been reading Christmas books, discussing the 'magic' and reminding him that it's a good time of year to be grateful and happy. The gift giving and receiving is worthy of many a daydream too.
We went to sushi train after his swimming lesson today and I sat with him in the little corner of calm while watching the chaos of the shopping centre merely metres away. Trolleys were overflowing with plastic fluro and every second person wore a frantic look of desperation. They definitely weren't having a jolly ole time.
It's so easy to get swept up in the fast-pace of a busy shopping centre, so easy to go along for the consuming ride. We never go overboard at Christmas time and this year is no exception. We'll buy a tree like last year, decorate it, make baked goodies for the neighbours, play Christmas carols and generally stay close to home. The gifts we buy are small yet sincere (although Che is getting a bike - and might I add that it was incredibly difficult to find one that didn't have flames all over it?!) - wrapped with Che's paintings and tied with re-used string.
I've made a point of asking friends to hold-off on the gifts for Che and Poet - they have so much already. While Lego is clearly the best toy Che has ever owned (he spends hours upon hours building, creating, imagining and problem-solving) it's the mudpies that get the biggest smiles.
i hear ya, sister! ps che has the most adorable wardrobe. where are those fabulous pants from?
ReplyDelete@fynn. the pants are made by emma - hazyjane.com.au (she has an etsy store). I highly recommend them x
ReplyDeleteI have just started the mammoth task of clearing the boys bedroom in time for Christmas....I can't get over how much lego they have accumulated. Some gifted, some donated but it's way too much. It almost makes me feel anxious seeing it all, trying to store it all. In the past I've been caught up in the Christmas hysteria, but this year it's going to be focused on family and fun times.
ReplyDeleteHave a merry Christmas.
L
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I need to have a big clean up before Christmas. I try to before my sons birthday as well. We aim for quality over quantity here. We will buy our tree as well and decorate it as a family. My son is the same age as Che & we are thinking of getting him a bike as well :)
ReplyDeleteSo I should return the NERF guns for Che and Barbie Dream Dollhouse for Poet. Ha.
ReplyDeleteI kid. And I completely understand where you are coming from.
Hear hear! Cousins of the boys get so much crap for xmas, plastic upon plastic they must have around £300 spent on them EACH! We like to do the simple things, bake cookies, go to a crib service at the church, and spend as little as possible but on quality toys (wooden - or lego!). Mostly online, I cannot go near a shopping centre at Xmas! Yes, enjoy simple pleasure, it will fulfill the soul. xx
ReplyDeleteYour blog is absolutely beautiful, and this post (as well as so many others) has struck a chord with me. We have two little girls, a tiny house, and plenty of toys already. I appreciate your thoughts on 'small, but sincere gifts'- We tend to do the same, and feel a bit overwhelmed when friends purchase extravagant and expensive gifts.
ReplyDeleteSo true. We're focusing on making decorations and his christmas list is particulary aimed towards toys with no batteries! Lego is a favourite too. Can I just say those pants are lovely :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you! Our nephews get so much crap (because that really is what it is) from certain family members every year, that my sister in law gives most of it away. They stick to one main present and a couple of books etc (my eldest nephew is getting a bike too!) and it seems like the best idea.
ReplyDeleteThinking of the Christmas traditions we'll start with our baby is awesome, and I like the sound of your little Christmas very much. Family, love and gratitude. What Christmas should be about xx
ps. Che is the most gorgeous boy in these pictures. Face of an angel. s
It's so true Jodi. It should be about family, giving and of course, most importantly eating :) xxx
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post Jodi and every word is so true. You've summed it up perfectly for me. I feel that sense of uneasiness too, in fact I've had it since the very first decoration adorned the shopping centre... what seems like months ago! Is it just me, or does the hype begin earlier every year!?
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas plans sound delightful, enjoy every moment of it all :o) xo
Thank you for this Post. Lots of wisdom and true things.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so with you...christmas makes me feel a little ill. When we come back to civilisation and turn on the telly, it's immediately clear what time of year it is. It's the trolleys overflowing with plastic that really get me though. Just knowing that most of it involves passing fads and will probably end up in the garbage in the not too distant future.
ReplyDeleteHey, your little man is the best hazyjane model!!xx
I am so with you - with 4 children we have to put a limit on Christmas. Santa brings a stocking of things that might have been made by the elves & mum & dad buy the main present. I was always clear that Santa would not get the credit for everything. Santa's stocking is much loved - even now by the 18 year old down and the big present has a price limit. Result? I am happy to say (& hopefully not smug) that I have children that who care for what they have and will contribute to the larger gifts.
ReplyDeleteAfter 18 Christmases my experience tells me that books, creative stuff, family games, Lego & Playmobile are the toys that last. Love & tradition is what makes this time of year special, not plastic. I am sure that yours will be a wonderful one xxx
che is looking so much older, and how cute is he in those pants. enjoy the season lovely it has lots to offer. we are going with fagus this christmas.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the uneasiness... In fact I would call it full on anxiety! The thing that gets me is it's so out of our control as parents at this time of year. We can set as many rules as we want about how many presents/what kind of presents we will give our own children and to others, but this will never stop family loading us up with mountains of cr*p they seem to think we need. My family know I am a minimalist, am environmentally conscious, and yet still they will go out and buy huge things that they have decided we should have, despite us having made a conscious decision to not have that very thing ourselves. Case in point: I have a perfectly adequate set of cooking pots which will no doubt last for 20 more years (they were bought new for me 4 years ago). My Mum had said when she was here that they were not ideal because the handles heat up a little. I had said that's no big deal to me, I just use a tea towel to pick them up. So what did she do? Went out and bought me an entire brand new set of pots for Christmas. My mother-in-law is the same. I don't know what to do anymore!
ReplyDeletei'm with rumballs here. It's about how great your dinner spread is. No doubt we will enjoy snippets of each others over the fence. ;)
ReplyDeletexxxxx
you're awesome
Our Little E is only 2 months old and already drowning in a sea of stuffed animals. Although I told family and friends that she didn't need any toys they still kept giving them to express their friendship and joy for our little family. While I'm very grateful for these heartfelt statements of affection I am a bit saddened that the way to communicate such feelings in out society involves a shopping trip. I keep my fingers crossed that Santa Claus won't find his way to our chimney.
ReplyDeleteI always buy my children's little friends books for birthdays/christmas, books that we have in our house that are loved and by lovely children authors.
ReplyDeleteI also try and encourage clothes, or books or small toys I know my children need/will use. It is hard... I don't want to see bossy or ungrateful, but would rather something small/useful in my house, than crap that won't be used.
I too donate, pieces we won't use.
haha! We've been seeing alot of that lately too! We stick to the basics...mainly because our budget forces us too...but I'm glad in a way! I don't feel as tempted with things! I plan way ahead and will be picking up our Xmas laybys this coming Friday...in the hope of avoiding the shops around Xmas! I just watched your other video....how long before did you cut your tree?? We always had a real one when I was growing up but I have no idea how long before Xmas my dad bought it? And do you lose lots of the pine needly thingies off them ;)??
ReplyDeleteonce again, so simple jodi, and so true. totally agree. one side of our family always asks what the kids need for christmas (usually clothes, and books - more more more books!) and the other side is the plastic shopping trolley full kind. this year I ever so kindly SUGGESTED some things the kids would enjoy rather than another year of battery sucking fluoro that never gets used.. having just put our tree up today, it's all about the magic (and lego). :)
ReplyDeletewe're planning a low key christmas this year present-wise....and I must say I'm much more excited about the thought of Saskia's first taste of a big family gathering, gingerbread house baking, imaginative christmas tree decorating (not buying anything new - using what we have/can find - except for the two small paper boat press ornamentsI have ordered) and the annual game of Cranium.
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Yes, this is something my husband and I have already been thinking about, although this is only our baby's 2nd Christmas. We don't want all of the excessive, plastic, noise-making toys...but we also see that gift-giving is often as much about the giver (read: grandparents) as the receiver, so we're going to try and state our preferences, but smile and receive gratefully in the spirit of the holidays! Hope it works!
ReplyDeleteFirst I will just mention that I have flicked down to see your last post, and I am speechless- well only to say what an incredible and beautiful mother you are. My heart feels your heart in this profound moment that was captured in your birthing pool. You are such an inspiration xxx
ReplyDeleteI resonate with your feeling towards Christmas, and how it is good to be mindful of the footprint one can create on mother Earth at this time.
Like you, our family do not go over board with gifts, we prefer making them. I feel it's easier to escape the hype because my girls don't go to school. I love the wholesomeness of Christmas, the magic, and the stillness ( that can be achieved) when you strip it back to family,warm food, and a walk in nature. Bless you BIG xxx
I completely agree - I'm trying to hard to buy thoughtful gifts that are cherished, but it's harder, particularly as the children get older. I have to curb my own excitement and not buy too much, it's a fine balance and as a result I haven't yet bought anything!
ReplyDeleteA timely reminder and one I am taking stock of this year. For months I've been thinking "it's all too much"!! Now I just have to ease my family along the "less is more" road with me.. x
ReplyDeleteLove this. Children need so little, it's so easy for them to get over whelmed by the excess of our world. Christmas should be stripped back to the peace and love part x
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