The Christmas I Grew Up With Is Long Gone

The kind of Christmas I grew up with is long gone from my reality. 

Maybe you know what I mean - back in the 90s when you couldn't even see the tree skirt because of the presents piled so high and extended so wide you weren't able to imagine how Santa even got them in the house. 

The privilege I experienced as a child still takes my breath away at times, and while there is an inherent privilege in my children's life that will remain, things look quite different. 

Here are some of the ways we've framed Christmas for our kids: First, when my kids came out of the womb I told them Santa wasn't real (no kidding). Second, we spend very little on our kids for Christmas, around $100 per person. Third, we focus on buying local, and having meaningful experiences over the holidays. 

One of my favourite traditions we've created is making natural gifts for wild animals as a family (like 🍊🍿and 🌰) and taking them to our special tree in the forest. We decorate the tree with our offerings to the animals, and then we sing songs and drink hot chocolate. We got the idea from the book "Night Tree" by Eve Bunting - check it out here. 

This year is no exception - and for our family, we are holding fast to personal connections and meaningful experiences over a consumeristic holiday. Not only will this be easier on our bank account, but I know teaching our kids about the meaning behind these choices will form their expectations around Christmas and the holidays for the future. 

What are your favourite holiday traditions? I love to hear about them.

Peace,
Megan