Keeping Christmas giving simple can be tough, especially when you love your kids (and who doesn't!) and see so many fun things that you would love
This year, we will be giving Ladybug (2.5 years old) three gifts to reflect the three gifts that the Wise Men brought to Jesus (Matthew 2).
But did you know that there is another story that tells of giving three gifts? It's the story of Saint Nicholas, on whom the modern-day Santa Claus is based. You can read more about Saint Nicholas here.
The quick version of the story is that a poor man had three daughters and had no money for their dowry. The girls were destined to be sold into slavery because no man would marry them without a dowry. The story tells that Nicholas threw three bags of gold into an open window so that the girls could have a dowry and be married.
I will share more tomorrow about how we incorporate Saint Nicholas into our Christmas celebration as an alternative to Santa Claus.
In the meantime, limiting ourselves to only three Christmas gifts works for me, not only as a way to remember two Christmas stories, but as a way to make sure we're not overwhelmed with budget-busting expenditures this year!
We do the same thing! *big grin* THere's also some folks to take it a bit farther reflecting on what each of the Wise Men's gifts represented...gold (a "treat" present), frankincense (don't remember) and myrrh (something practical). I could look it up if it'll help with your next post.
ReplyDeleteMy family is German and we learned about St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6) very early on. We celebrated by leaving our shoes outside the door. While we were at school, St. Nicholas would arrive and leave nuts, tangerines, and a small treat. I introduced the tradition to my husband after we were married, and this year Mia's tiny shoes will join ours. I'm also making a traditional German meal and hosting my parents on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Heather!!! I love that:)
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