Christmas Day

Its Christmas afternoon. I'm snuggled up near a cozy fire, saddled between large plates of cookies and a garden of gifts. Its a lazy day kind of afternoon, with the boys down for a nap, sleeping soundly. In Michigan Christmas feels so comfortable and consistent- this is the way we always spend it. Even after getting married and having children, we still wake up in my childhood home with a real fire crackling in the hearth. We still fill out bellies with way to much sugar way before 9 am as we open present, after present after present because my parents can't help but spoil my children the way they spoiled us growing up.

It sort of has a routine all of its own, and in many ways, the comfort and pattern of it all makes me never want it to change. I love Christmas with my boys, with my family.

But this year, even with these living memories everywhere we are, it feels like a sort of shift is happening. More so this year than any other year I've felt the need to GIVE. Give time, laughter, hugs, kisses, helping hands, support. To see the smile on someone else's face. To hold a door, pay someone's bill or know that I've contributed to improving someone else's life more than my own. And, so when I see the heaping mound of presents my boys, Drew and I are coming home with, I sort of have a sense of anxiety, maybe even disgust. What are we going to do with all of this stuff? We really don't need all of this stuff.

There are so many people in this world who need help, love, support, generosity, a shoulder to cry on, a house to sleep in, food to eat. We all have to start somewhere and in life, I've been dealt an amazing set of cards-- we're so very thankful and blessed for all we have.

We really don't need any more.

Really.

So this year we've worked harder to show our boys how to give. How to be thankful for every tiny thing, moment, helping hand and encouraging word. We've taught them to give. Give hugs, laughter, love and hope. To smile often, to spread the cheer, to help others and to really, truly share the wealth.

When we get back to Minnesota, we'll go through the toys and decide which things we can give to others, not only to make room for all of the new things that have been showered upon them, but to give them a chance to give themselves- to understand that giving up something you've liked or enjoyed to someone else who maybe doesn't have as much can bring joy to both their heart, AND your own heart.

My boys are a blessing and more so in the last few days I've had opportunities to see what gifts they are to me, the fleeting moments that they make me so incredibly happy and thankful. This Christmas they've enjoyed the childhood joy of Santa, presents and holiday festivities, but I'm happy to think that we've planted a seed to remind them that this holiday, regardless of your faith or ethnicity, is about giving to others and being thankful.

We're incredibly thankful for all of this and hope next year to give more and fill our hearts.