Gulf Coast Family

by Matthew Trill

An interesting thing often happens to a family that welcomes a new child. Mom begins to shop for a collection of precious outfits. Dad spends some of his free time flipping through toy catalogues. Some fathers have even been known to bring a tiny baseball glove or football to the hospital at the birth of a son. Baby’s first Christmas brings a fresh wave of consumer activity as family members see endless gift possibilities advertised everywhere.

As children grow, they easily catch the fever. Little ones can spend hours developing lists of “must-have” Christmas items. Wants are easily mistaken for needs. Parents admit to a special thrill just watching their children unwrap the presents they selected. Soon, an occasion that we truly want to have spiritual meaning and sentimental value takes on a materialistic life of its own. What can we do to tame our spending and restore fitting significance to Christmas?

Keep It Simple

Sometimes much of the stress surrounding Christmas is self-imposed. Schedules quickly become packed with church, school, and work activities. However, we can resist some of the distracting clutter and select those events that will truly build our families. Make time for each other. We may not be able to replicate the “Walton’s family Christmas,” but we can work toward a simplicity that helps us stay focused.

As you simplify your celebration of Christmas be sure to leave in the heart of the message. Read through the biblical account of Christ’s birth together. Remind one another of the great love and sacrifice that we celebrate.

Make It Meaningful

Christmas is a great time to renew and maintain any family traditions you have developed. Sometimes these are not even intentional habits, but customs that take on a life of their own through the years. Living in Florida provides unique opportunities. Our holiday memories are more likely to include fishing or playing a round of golf than building a snowman.

Look through old photographs together for reminders of previous holidays. Sit down and share stories with each other about past occasions that may be forgotten. Tell your children what has made Christmas special to your family though the years.

We can also cultivate profound significance by taking the focus off personal wants and finding a project that will serve someone else. Our children should be reminded of the joys of giving to others. In the years to come our families will fondly remember the simple, yet meaningful, moments over any toy, special outfit, or piece of electronics.

Matthew Trill currently serves as the
pastor for New Testament Baptist Church.
Matthew and his wife Maribeth have
been married for 19 years and have three children: Sarah, Justin, and Aaron.