This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
What we really should spend our money on are things that make memories… lucky for us, memories are free! Don’t buy just because you think you should buy, but instead put real thought and intent behind it.
That will save us a lot, since according to the National Retail Federation, the average American planned to spend about $800 celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas and/or Kwanzaa last year.
This year, I want to share with you an idea that we just love. It is the three-gift idea. Each family member gets three things. The reason that you do three is because Jesus received three gifts when he was born- from the Three Wise Men. These gifts aren’t your ordinary gifts, but so much more.
Gift #1- a Material thing.
This can be the toy or gift that they want, the electronic that they have been asking for, something that you think they would enjoy.
Gift #2- A Book.
Each person gets a new book. You can even make a personalized book here. I make personalized books for our kids and their friends for birthdays a lot. I love them! I still have mine from when I was little and I read it to our kids: “The Story of Timmy and Becky” (my brother and I.)
Gift #3- An Adventure.
Each child gets to pick somewhere really special (within reason) to go. We then plan for it – we pick a date over the following year, we research it and we make it a fun family adventure. It can be a new state, the beach, an amusement park, camping at a local park. Just remember that this gift is the gift of time.
This would be a great way to make the most of our time together, while our kids are young and HOME with us. Spending time together is always high on our lists. The holidays are for focusing on moments that matter.
