Big Boys and Little Gifts

Well, Thanksgiving is down.  The dust is still here, so Christmas isn't up, but we are moving in the right direction.  Which brings me to my annual problem:  We have raised non-materialistic children.  They never ask for anything.  They like to be surprised.  Santa has always brought three presents, since the Magi brought three presents for the Baby Jesus, and we really do try to work Him into the season wherever and whenever we can.  When the boys were younger Santa would take the two antique chairs in front of the fireplace and turn them so they faced the staircase.  He would pile his presents on the chairs (each boy knew which chair was his) and it would be the first thing they would see when they came down the stairs in their footie-pj's on Christmas morning.  Pirate ships and castles make a big impression visually.  I-pods and DVDs...not so much.

I miss the chaos, but I also miss the size of the gifts.  At least it looked like something.  Even though the "Christmas take" has gotten more expensive as the boys have gotten older, everything they really want could fit into their stockings along with the orange in the toe.  Poor Santa is going to have his work cut out for him this year.  I'd better start cleaning so whatever tiny thing he brings doesn't get covered by a dust dragon.  Still, I rejoice that my sons seem to understand what's really important at Christmas: love, family, and a God who took the time to show up in person when He really didn't have to, and knew it wasn't going to turn out to be much fun.  Presence.  God's and the boys' and Himself's.  That's my gift at Christmas.  No wrapping required.