After looking around us and seeing all the blessings God had poured out on our family over the year, we decided to take the money we would spend on their large gift for Christmas and give it to them over Thanksgiving. They each then had till Christmas to give it away. Any way they want. It could be all to one place or they could spread it out. They could give it to a charity or to a person they know is having a hard time. They could use it to start a business and then give the proceeds away. The options were limitless and were their own. It was up to them, alone, to give their gift to someone else. Then on Christmas morning, instead of opening the gift, we each told how we spent the money and what came of it.
This was, for sure, the best decision we ever made. And it was certainly the best Christmas we ever had. I wish I could share with you the video of each of the kids telling where they gave their money (they asked me not to), but I can tell you that each chose something completely different and it was absolutely one of my proudest moments to see how each embraced the idea and how it touched their hearts.
So, Steve and I decided this year that this needed to be a new tradition for the Bowyer household. At Thanksgiving, we gave each of the kids their money and you could literally see the wheels spinning in their heads!!
I can't wait till Christmas morning!
My youngest is so excited about where he has given his money that he has nearly spilled the beans twice. This was our conversation once:
Jared: mom, I just need to share one part with you...
me: no, you know the rules. You can't share any of it until Christmas morning.
Jared: but mom, this won't tell you where I gave it. My teacher was crying...
me: stop! you can't share ANY of it. That is reserved for Christmas morning!!
Jared: fine.
Honestly, I am so curious as to why his teacher was crying about it!! But to see my son so very excited about giving to someone else just makes my heart burst with joy!!!
I love the way God works.
And it is so wonderful to see Him working in the lives of your children!!
I have no greater joy that to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4
3 John 1:4
15 comments:
Can't wait to here! Merry Christmas!
Sara, I think I'm looking forward to what your children have planned as much as you are!!! I can't wait to read your post with the details.
This is a wonderful, meaningful tradition. I think this is one we will start with our daughter and carry it on for years to come!
Beautiful tradition!
I'm already in tears just thinking about this. Sweet mercy. And I mean - His mercy is so sweet it changes me to bask in it!
OH I CAN'T STAND THE SUSPENSE!!!
I love this. I remember it from last year and just got chills again. What an amazing idea.
Sara, I want you and your husband to know that this is something I want to do with our boys. That's because of learning from you and your hearts of service. Just imagine the ripple effect this is having, even beyond the big things your very own kids are doing!!! OH, how I LOVE it. Thank you!
Oh my goodness...that is the COOLEST idea!!! I wish we had done that at Thanksgiving. :))) Hmmm....now you have my wheels turning. Thank you for the idea, and I can't wait to hear what your kids did with their money!
Wow! What an awesome tradition! Are there any exchanging of gifts?
Last year on campus we celebrated "the saddest Christmas party ever" [really, not an appropriate title] where many people were compelled to give away what meant the most to them -- living open handedly! There were great stories.
This is the best tradition ever! Can't wait to hear about your Christmas morning.
I guess I didn't meet you until this year, so I missed that post last year. I LOVE this idea! As a family, we choose a couple families to buy for anonymously, but this is such a cool spin on that. I can't wait to tell my husband about it. He'll be all over it!
I'm with Heather...the ripple effect will never be known. Both from your readers joining in and from the people that are blessed. Awesome!
I remember this Sara! AND...it is a tradition ABOVE all traditions!! I too, am eager to hear a little of how they blessed others with their gifts!
Sara, I SOOOO remember this! And love it. Can't wait to hear ALLLLL about it!!
I can hardly wait to here what they did, What a wonderful tradition!!!
such a sweet tradition! can't wait to hear all about it!
Sara,
This was a tremendous idea. Cheryl and I will talk about this.
Note: I linked here from Titus 2 In Action where you linked this article. It is very good.
wb
http://warrenbaldwin.blogspot.com/
Oh my goodness I love this! I can't wait to find out what they did with the money! You ARE going to post on Christmas DAY right??? LOL!
Have a most blessed Christmas!
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