How many shopping days left?

I sat in the crowded waiting room and checked my list for the second time in an hour. It was the end of November and I already felt behind and overwhelmed by the Christmas list before me.

I needed more ideas for my kids. What could I possibly get for them that they didn't already have? Deep in thought, I overheard one of the moms say "our kids only get three gifts each. If it was good enough for baby Jesus its good enough for us." A wave of peace swept through my spirit.

I soon left the waiting room, but I couldn't let go of her statement. Could it really be that simple? Why not? That year our kids received three thoughtful gifts and there wasn't one complaint. 

That was four years ago and we haven't changed that tradition. Apparently we aren't the only family to switch to this philosophy. Two years ago I read an article about another family doing the same thing. Each of their gifts were based on the original gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

I did a little research, and our gift philosophy developed further!

Doing a quick Google search will allow you to read about the significance and history of each gift.


So now, we have:
Gold, a big gift
Frankincense, something for the spirit 
Myrrh, something for the body


This has simplified our gift giving and it has also been fun to think about what gift could fit in each category.


I also have more time to focus on the real reason for Christmas.


What do you think?


I would love to hear from you and some of the traditions you have.