Candy Canes

Keena, what do you want for Christmas? One of those...pointing to a candy cane. Kids really don't need much to be thrilled or feel blessed.

As I was shopping for the kids this Christmas I really had to be careful. I had so much fun walking through the toy isles and spotting out what I know would be fun for my kids. When you really know what your kids would love to play with or picture their expressions if they were to get a certain toy, it's hard to put things in perspective. I love to see them light up, to see their big brown eyes with the wow expression. As I was shopping and really trying to be realistic about my purchases. I realized I was on the verge of shopping selfishly. Yes, the toys were for them, but who is this toy really for, them or me. It does not mean I want to play with the toys. It's really about what I'm going to get out of it. Maybe an emotional high every time they open a new gift, I know they'd love.

Yes, that would make me smile and I might get a lot of hugs that day, but what am I really giving them? I am sure not in all cases but I think I could be stealing from them the simple joys/appreciation of life. Maybe in the future, getting a simple candy cane won't feel like a blessing because within them a sense of "more fulfills" has been ingrained in them. The last thing I want is my kids to ever feel the need for more "stuff," to fulfill a void in them or just to feel like they had a great Christmas. I never want them to think "stuff" is our sole expression of our love for them. I pray the Lord will keep me in check to not take away the candy canes in my kids life. Maybe I can teach them to even give that candy cane away because the feeling of giving is even better then getting that candy cane.