Christmas Gifts

We've been talking to the boys about their favorite parts of the holiday season, and while presents definitely rank in the top 3 . . . so does spending time together as a family.  Independent from each other, both boys have expressed how much they like putting up outdoor lights with their Dad, having video game tournaments, and just spending time with each other.

I admit I was a bit surprised, since I feel like we already spend a lot of time together.  It's one of the reasons we decided to homeschool, and something that we truly enjoy. I realize it maybe gets lost in the day to day drudgery that is life sometimes, and that we need to focus on spending time together that has more meaning, or just more fun.

Every year, we keep one gift to present at dinner. It's a tradition my mom started years ago when she found gifts in a closet right before dinner that she had forgotten about. This year, I already have the dinner gifts purchased for my family (which I can't list here because Bo reads and then he'll know!), but I've decided to add something else for the boys.

I'm working on making coupon books for each boy that will include things like "Lunch out with Mom," and "Saturday errands with Dad," and "Geocaching as a family," and "Mom will make your bed today!"  I want to choose things that are a bit special, don't cost much, and are enjoyable.

On one hand, I think it's a bit hokey, but on the other hand I think they'll really appreciate them.  I'll let you know what they thought in January!