Our 3 Gift Christmas

We don't have much money. We never have. And we likely never will. But that doesn't really matter when you're married to a man who gives any extra we might have away. In fact, I feel fairly confident that if we did make more money, I wouldn't even know it because Derek would give it all away before I ever saw it.

The man cannot hang on to a dollar. But most of the time it's because he's handing it over to someone in need. Or not in need. Either way.

And because of his incredible generosity, I have come a loooooooooong way in the last decade. Of course, I have just about that far still to go but I'm so grateful for how he has challenged me just by example.

All that to say, limiting our kids to 3 gifts for Christmas is a lot less about the money (although that is a key factor when there isn't much!) and a lot more about Christ. Because generosity is the leader-of-our-home's thing, we choose to give our kids gifts for Christmas. What is generosity if we can't be generous to those closest to us? But because Christmas is about Christ, we are very intentional about gift giving.

I originally came across this idea of 3 gifts from this blog post ((Make sure to visit!)). We loved it! It's a perfect fit for our family. So I'm going to share with you just in case it is a fit for yours, too!

When {the magi} saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11

GOLD

Gold represents something the kids want. Gold was, and continues to be, very desirable. We give one gift to each kid that they've either asked for or we feel confident they will enjoy. We don't always give them what they ask for because, well, mommy knows best! And I simply don't want any more tiny, worthless Shopkins in this house! The clutter, oh the clutter! So we are very careful about this gift, trying our best to avoid more clutter, encourage education, and make it something they love.

Ideas:
Games (Jack is getting this this year!)
Blocks or legos (easy-to-clean clutter that is educational!)
Accessories to something they already have (American Girl accessories, additions to their Imaginex city set)
Puzzles
Costumes
Books
Movies/video games
Activity gift (dance classes, ice skating date with dad, etc.)

FRANKINCENSE

Theologians say that the gift of frankincense was symbolic of Christ's priesthood. This gift for our kids is something spiritual. While this one can be challenging, I love it! It's so fun to listen to the Spirit on this one and see how He uses what we get them!

Ideas:
Jesus Storybook Bible (every single household containing children should own this book)
Bibles (Marie and Jack each got their own last year)
Devotionals (like Jesus Calling)
Play nativity set (Kempton got this last year)
What's in the Bible DVDs
Just about anything Veggie Tales
His Little Princess/His Mighty Warrior (God has put these books to good use around these parts!)

MYRRH

This spice symbolizes burial and death in Scripture buuut we focus on the use of it. It was used as incense or perfume. Something put on the body. The myrrh gift is something the kids can wear.

Ideas:
Clothes
Belt (Kempton is getting this this year)
Shoes
Boots
Hats
Ballet shoes
Hairbows
Towel
Chapstick
Etc. Etc.

Now I am super curious - How do you do gifts for Christmas in your home?

Can I point out one last thing? In the verses from Matthew we learn that the Magi "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." I don't know about you, but I can't help but think that some hooting and hollering and cheering and dancing was happening when they finally found Jesus. Let's enter this beautiful time of celebrating Jesus' birth with a little… no, how about a LOT of that rejoicing exceedingly with great joy!! There's no greater gift we could give our kids.

…Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people!...