NOTE: If you haven’t yet read yesterday’s post and entered a comment to win either Sylvia Lange’s Pure Christmas CD or the advent devotional along with her single CD of Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas, there is still time. The winners will be chosen at midnight EST. Click here for the post.

How is your Christmas shopping coming? Started yet? Been doing some on-line browsing and buying? Waiting for Black Friday when you’ll arise at the crack of dawn, grab a cup of coffee and head out with the rest of the crazies to shop until you drop…..(hopefully not a lot of money)?

Now I’ll admit, I am one of the crazies. Been doing it for many years.

I have fond memories of the time about 10 years ago, when my friend Sharon and I communicated by walkie-talkie (before either of us had cell phones) as we divided  and conquered.

When the doors burst open, she headed to the Rescue Heroes, I to the Crock Pots. She grabbed a Rocky Canyon for her son and a Jake Justice for mine. I secured three crock pots for assorted aunts, sisters and such. She then proceeded to the less-than-half-price sweats while I nearly got killed as I quickly and firmly grabbed the last digital camera. All the while we kept the lines of communication open as we searched for the best deals.

I tell you….it is like opening day of hunting season for women.

We stalk. We spy. We bag our prize.

Then, we head home with our “kill” loaded in the trunk and back seat.

Much neater than having it strapped on the top of our roof like the he-man hunters do.

So you Mid-Michigan area ladies, if on Friday you see me at Biggby coffee around 3:30 or 4:00 am, please stop and say “hi”. We’ll chat it up and have ourselves a good visit.

However, once the opening bell has rung, if you see me at an area store….smile and wave and stay outta my way!!!

Just kidding. I actually still attempt to model Jesus to the world, even on Black Friday. It’s caused me to miss out on a few items when I, along with another customer, were both reaching for the last item on a pallet.

Jesus sweetly whispered to my heart, “Be kind, Karen. Let them have it.” So I did, releasing my greedy grip on said item.

Oh, except for that whole digital camera thing. See, I only heard Jesus say the “Let them have it” part, which, in my haste, I thought sounded like “Let ‘em have it!”

So I did…snatching up that more-than-half-off gem for my then pre-teen daughter who soooo wanted a digital camera for her “Gold” gift (explanation below)

Yes, I grabbed and clutched that last electronic gadget with a swift move and a quick turn.

In a Christian sort of way, of course.

Enough rambling. There is a point to this post. I wanted to offer another idea from my workshop The Holidays; A Time to Bless, Not Stress. It is about simplifying the gift giving process for your kids and other loved ones.

While my husband and I have made many mistakes and missteps in the rearing of our brood resulting in some “I wish we could go back and do that all over again” feelings, there is one decision we have never regretted.

That is our decision as brand new parents to simplify the Christmas gift giving and NOT spoil and splurge and give into their every whim going into debt in the process.

Every year since Kenz was born over 18 years ago, our kids have received these at Christmas:

• One thing to open on Christmas Eve –usually pj’s, slippers, a stuffed animal to sleep with—something they can use right then as they try to fall asleep with all the excitement.
  
• In the morning, there is a stocking full of treasures and treats.
• And then, they open their three gifts from us.

Yep…. that is not a typo. I said three. That is all baby Jesus received- remember gold, frankincense and myrrh? When they were younger, the categories were: one thing to play with, one thing to read and one item to wear.

Now over the years, we have heard about others doing this idea, often with a twist. So we morphed this tradition into a gold gift, a frankincense present and a myrrh package. Here is the concept:

GOLD– this, like gold,  is a highly desired item; precious; maybe even pricey (thus my shenanigans on Black Friday–trying to secure the best deal)

FRANKINCENSE- Because the real frankincense was burned during prayer and arose heavenward, the gift in this category is something that will draw them closer to God. Perhaps a new Bible, a book series, a CD or tickets to an event or concert (Hey a little TobyMac draws me closer to God too. Did you know his new CD releases soon…hint, hint, family!)

MYRHH- This is a burial spice used to cover the whole body. So the myrrh gift does the same thing. It goes on the body. In past years this has been rain boots and a new coat for Kenz, a hunting jumpsuit and camo boots for Mitch or Spence’s favorite Detroit Tigers player jersey.

Now, I will admit, like most moms, I still struggle with the spoiling thing. It is in our nature. I do well with the three gifts. It is their stockings that sometimes overflow. That is where I have to try to limit myself.

So, if you see me out on Friday and there are too many stocking stuffers in my Target cart, feel free to pick some out for your kids.

Especially if you were the lady I creamed earlier trying to grab the last one!!!

Bargain Hunting Blessings,