Whatchu talkin' bout, Willis?

My husband and I recently decded that this year for Christmas, we were going to minimize what we purchased for the kids. We decided this year it will be 4 Santa gifts, and 4 gifts from us. To some, that may still seem extravagant, but it is a large scale down from what we have set as the "standard loot" on Christmas morning. We also decided that we are going to put that extra money towards helping another family purchase Christmas gifts, that might not otherwise have Christmas. We want to get the kids involved in that, as well, so that they might have a better appreciation for the blessings we've been given, and to help instill a giving nature in their heart. This morning, as I was getting the kids ready for school, I shared with them this news. Rachel was talking about things that she thought she might like to have on her Christmas Wish List and I told them to be very selective about what they chose to put on the list, as the number of items was going to be less. Brian was really excited about helping pick out items for another family, and quickly reminded himself that his birthday is only 2 weeks after Christmas (a good reaction, still some work to be done there). Rachel's reaction was more like this....

And the exact reassurance that we are making the right decision on what we should be doing.

2 Corinthians 8:7 "But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, ni complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving."