The Reason For The Season

Ahh Christmas,,,,I am going to put it out there right now. I DO NOT like Christmas time. I know that is so awful to say but it is the honest truth. As soon as October gets here, I start dreading the next few months. By the time December comes, I am ready to run away to a secret island and hide.

Now let me tell you, I understand that this is something I bring on myself. I allow it all to get to me. I worry about gifts, decorating, parties, dinners, and events. On top of traveling, work, end-of-year preparation for business, kid activities, school events, plays, rehearsals, basketball…the list goes on and on…and on. It’s A LOT!!

BUT, I know

This IS NOT WHAT CHRISTMAS is all about!! I totally understand that! Sometimes I wish we were still at a point where we had a birthday party for Jesus and exchanged fruit. Seems so much more simple!

Being a person who focuses on money a lot, Christmas is stressful for that reason as well. It’s a lot of money to spend all at once!

Here’s the thing. I do not want to pass this on to my kids. I want them to feel more prepared, more settled, and most importantly, I want them to ENJOY the holidays. And even more importantly, I want them to really understand that preparing for Christmas is supposed to be a spiritual time to focus on Jesus, his life, and the amazing event of his birth.

How do we change the focus though without breaking our kids' hearts? After all, they are still a part of culture, right?! And if this isn’t their first or second Christmas, then they are used to Christmas looking a certain way. Lots of gifts, lots of things to tear into, lots of surprises, tons of candy and sweets, 50 events to attend, and of course the endless decorations!

Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t have a great answer. I do have a few suggestions though that may help keep us a little more grounded in the REAL reason for Christmas.

1. Have a birthday party for Jesus. Kids love parties and this is such a cool way to have a wonderful conversation about God and what Christmas is all about while still including some goodies and sweets.

2. Do something for someone else - Taking a trip to Goodwill with your kids and picking up a few coats to donate is a great way to talk about giving and helping others. Making cards or ornaments for the nursing home is a simple thing to do with a big impact. Even just letting the kids be a part of making little goodies or cards for the neighbors or friends shows them that we think of and acknowledge others at this time of year

3. Get an advent calendar - This is a cool way to read a bible verse, talk about God and the Christmas season while keeping the kids engaged because they get a little goody while they learn!

Listen, I get that these little activities are not going to change the way that Christmas is celebrated for everyone, but maybe it can change the focus a little bit. When we keep peace, happiness, and giving at the center of Christmas instead of gifts, money, and chaos, our kids feel that. They hear what we talk about, they see what we do for others and they see what our true focus is on.

As the kids grow, I hope to keep just a few more things in mind around the holidays:

Setting a budget and saving for Christmas throughout the year can take the fear and stress out of the money side. Even if this is not something you do now, you could still have the kids set a little savings account aside for gifts. This will create a great habit.

Try to start a little earlier - If you’re like me and you like to put all things Christmas off until December, getting a head start on gift ideas and plans can help a lot. Having a habit of being prepared is great for the kids to see.

Give Yourself Some Grace - You may not get every wreath up, every light strand may not be perfect, all the gifts may not have a bow and you may have to skip a Christmas gathering or two but the truth is - IT DOESN’T MATTER!! Show the kids that we try hard but we’re not perfect and that is ok. It’s better to find peace with one another and remember the true meaning than stressing about things that really don’t matter that much.


On that note, this will be the last Wealthy Kids Academy newsletter for 2023.
I am taking one thing off my plate until the New Year so I can find just a little more peace and spend a few more minutes with my family.

I cannot express how thankful I am for the support I have received from all of my readers and my community. I am humbled to see how much faith you all have in me and my hopes for Wealthy Kids Academy.

We’ll be back in 2024 with more tips, more projects and some BIG NEWS!! Stay tuned!

I hope each one of you has a Merry Christmas and Happy Happy New Year!

Amanda