It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

It sure doesn't seem like the most wonderful time of the year. With recent tragedies in our country I am reminded that for many people this is the most depressing time of the year. A time filled with grief, loss, heartbreak, and pain. And all around us we are bombarded with what we don't have.

I came face to face with this last year dealing with my father's death in the midst of the holidays. I couldn't stomach much Holiday music because I felt like they were all lies. It wasn't the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. I wasn't having a Holly Jolly Christmas. My days weren't Merry and Bright. And social media didn't help. Seeing people's awesome family vacations, family pictures, shopping adventures, and Holiday parties was all too much. Life was terrible, thanks for reminding me.

I say the word Holiday instead of Christmas because it was the superficial aspect of the Holidays that made me depressed, not Christ. When Christmas was about Christ and his coming to redeem what what broken, then I was hopeful.  I remember being in church during one of the Advent Sundays, pacing back and forth with Felicity in her Ergo carrier, and having tears well up in my eyes because Christmas had become real to me. Hope was birthed in me because I had tasted the bitterness of death. Christmas wasn't about being merry and bright because we're baking cookies, playing in the snow, and singing silly songs. Christmas is about hope. And with that hope in mind, I can enjoy the time spent family and friends eating good food, giving gifts, singing carols, and celebrating what Christmas means.

"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices"

This was certainly true in my case. Never have I been more thankful that Christ had come to our world, born a baby, died on the cross, to conquer sin and death, and restore all that is lost.

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
Revelation 21:3-5

Gifts for Moms

I meant to write this post a while ago and had planned for it to look all awesome with pictures but, as my friend Sweet Brown would say, "Ain't nobody got time for that!" Now I realize that not everything I say is going to be applicable to all women. You know the moms in your life and their personal preferences. I'm just saying that, at least for myself, these are always good gifts anytime of the year.

1. Gift Cards to Specific Stores
Do not get a mom a gift card to Target or a Visa gift card. She WILL use that money on groceries and diapers. Instead, choose a specific store where she can only spend it on herself. Victoria Secret is a great one because moms never buy themselves good underwear.

2. Bath and Body Treats
You can never have enough bubble bath, hand soaps, or lotion. I'm always happy when someone buys me stuff but that also depends on the fragrance. If you don't know what their preference is (flowery or fruity) stick to the basics, vanilla or lavender.

3. Candles
No one wants to spend $10 on a candle, but we love when someone else buys them for us.

4. Pamper Her
Consider giving her a gift certificate to pampering services. Maybe a trip to the spa, a mani-pedi, or even a hair cut. It's hard to make time for these things, so maybe you could also offer to watch the kids while she goes and does these things.

5. Make Up
I don't know the last time I bought make up besides eyeliner and mascara. Everything else has been given to me. And it doesn't matter how small it is, I'm just as excited. Splurge and buy her something from a department store instead of the pharmacy store.

6. Stationary
Note cards, journals, and note pads are all great gifts. Anthropologie has some great ones or you could order some personalized sets online through many different companies.

7. Annual Passes for Kids
This might not seem like a gift for mom, but there are many days when I just wanted to take my kids somewhere to get out of the house. Passes to indoor playgrounds are a life saver for rainy days. Zoo passes are awesome when the weather is nice. If you REALLY want to splurge, Disney passes are where it's at.

8. Free babysitting
I think this is an obvious one. Babysitting is expensive and when we can get it for free, it's awesome. Instead of leaving all the initiating up to them by saying, "If you need a babysitter, let us know" take the initiative. Recently we had friends that just approached us and said, "We want to babysit for you this Saturday night, so make plans." We were forced to go out and we didn't have to do anything.

9. Pinterest Insipred
If you're thinking how broke you are to give any of these gifts, look to pinterest. Maybe you are crafty or are great in the kitchen and can make things. You could even stalk their Pinterest page and see what things they like and make them. I think you would have to know the person and whether or not they like making the crafts or would just like to have them. Instead of stealing their joy in making things, you could provide all the supplies needed. Kitchen gifts are great cheap ideas. Maybe homemade cookies, a spice rub, or jam.

10. Photo Gifts
No one prints out photos anymore so you could do a lot with this. Print and frame a picture, make a photo book, or a family calendar. I don't have a digital frame but maybe that could be a good idea.

*New 11. Magazine Subscriptions
I don't know how I forgot this. Two years ago Dylan got me year subscriptions to Martha Stewart Living and Rachael Ray for Christmas. It was great. I loved that it lasted all year long. There are so many options of magazines to fit everyone's taste. People - for everyday popular stories. Martha Stewart Living - amazing recipes and crafts. Relevant - faith an culture. Parenting - tips and resources. The great thing is that you can get subscriptions through amazon.com so they are good last minute gifts. Just buy them the recent copy and tell them the rest are on their way.
 


Again, these are my go to gifts that are good anytime of year but especially applicable for Christmas. Do you have any that you would add?