Three Gifts; The idea of giving three gifts reminiscent of the three wise men.
Gold
The gift of wonder
Wrapping paper color: Gold
This would be the one gift that your child can't live without. This could be a toy, a planned outing, a season pass...
Frankinsence
The gift of meaning
Wrapping paper color: Red
This would be a gift that expresses meaning. This could be a scrapbook, a quilt, a special heirloom, jewelry, new temple clothes, treasure box, etc.
Myrrh
The gift of usefulness
Wrapping paper color: Green
This would be a gift that is truly needed. This could be a coat, new shoes, something practical yet worthwhile.
Kelly and I have tried to do this for a few years and I have been so grateful for this idea. You can interpret the gifts however you want. For example, last year Kelly gave me a new phone for my green gift. I gave my boys their own journals (for me to write in about them) a couple years ago for their red gift. You can go however big or small you want with each gift. In the past I have used this as a shopping guideline and we haven't actually used the colors of wrapping paper, but this year we will. I look forward to explaining to my kids why the colors and what they are reminiscent of now that they are getting a little bit older. I want them to know that we exchange gifts to remember that Jesus was given gifts, not just because Santa brings them. I told my boys that we would write Santa a letter and tell him that we have a lot of toys already and that he could bring us stockings with some toys in them and to take the rest of the toys to some other kids houses. It will be nice to have a more simple Christmas and think about the real meaning of Christmas. The economy isn't exactly great right now and that makes this program even easier to follow :)
Anyway, I just wanted to share... Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!!
6 comments:
We do the same thing except that they get 3 presents just like Jesus did. It is really nice. We were spoiled as kids, but I can't afford that. The 3 presents idea is the best. Tell your fam Happy Thanksgiving.
That is a fantastic idea! I'm going to try it next year (shopping for this year is already done...although maybe I can make this fit somehow).
BTW, it's fun seeing your boys! I don't know if you remember me, but my husband (Doug) and your husband are cousins. You came to my house in Pleasant Grove once for a shower (was it your bridal shower even?? I can't remember!). We live in Louisiana now so we never see any family any more - that's why blogs and facebook are great!
Mary, you are my gold!! I love you to death!!
Mary, I meant to tell you that we heard about this too and plan to do it this year. Except we'll still let Santa bring one gift as well as the three gifts from Mom and Dad. I think it'll be hardest on me, as I am always up for extravagant holidays :) But I'm really looking forward to it and have already warned the kids that they get 3 things, that's all :) I heard it as the gifts being a physical, mental, and spiritual gift, which is another idea. Anyway, you'll have to let us know how it goes for you!
awesome awesome awesome idea! I love it!
Those are great ideas, Mary! Thanks for sharing!
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