In a two day period at the end of November, Americans exhibit some strange, polar opposite behaviors. Yes, on Thanksgiving we bow our heads before a table full of food and give thanks to God for all of his bountiful provision for us over the past year. We acknowledge our blessings to one another and rest in a satisfaction of all that has been so graciously bestowed upon us.

And then, early the next morning on Black Friday, many of us get up and wait in line at stores all over the country for stuff – more stuff. We HAVE to get the greatest deals and are willing to push past people in order to do so. Move it or lose it, sista!

Perhaps these pictures side by side best illustrate the irony of these back to back events:

Thanksgiving:

Black Friday:

Ok, folks. Let’s get something clear. I’m not “anti-Black Friday.” I love a good sale like anyone. If something that I had previously planned on purchasing is significantly cheaper on a certain day – Sure! I’ll buy it then! I simply think that it’s a good illustration for us as we contemplate the true purpose of the Christmas season (um, it’s not getting a bunch of stuff) and consider how we might encourage ourselves and our families to nurture a spirit of contentment during the Christmas season.

Here are 5 simple ways to cultivate a thankful, content spirit during the Christmas season:

1. Making a “Giving List” instead of a “Getting List” – Our view of Christmas and the Holiday Season is shaped while we are young. Are we encouraged to put together long and elaborate lists of things that we want for Christmas? Maybe a different idea would be to sit down and brainstorm a list of ways we want to bless others during the season.

I’ll never forget the lesson I learned from the children of India when I spent a summer there as a college student. On their birthdays, the children in the orphanage where I resided were encouraged to give a piece of candy to each child. Their beautiful brown faces flashed big smiles as they handed out the candy. You could tell it gave them great joy to have the opportunity to give to their friends on their birthdays.

2. Plan Seasonal Activities Around Making Memories, not Buying Stuff – some suggestions that our family has enjoyed are: reading an Advent Devotional every morning, going ice skating, sledding and skiing when it snows, making yummy baked goods for our neighbors, cutting down a Christmas tree together, visiting the elderly at an old folks home, and reading books that pertain to the Christmas season.

3. Try 25 Days of Random Acts of Christmas Kindness – This is a challenge we accepted last year that reaped great dividends in our family. My three girls looked forward with eager anticipation to our “act of kindness” for the day. I planned out the 25 “acts” ahead of time and included the slips of paper in each window of our Advent calendar. Here is the blog that I wrote last year about this experience that gives some examples of what you can do. I included lots of easier acts with some that required more planning and time so as not to make this activity overwhelming.

4. Buy Fewer and More Intentional Gifts – My family of origin has focused for several years on giving one or two meaningful gifts instead of several gifts. We have also given to ministries or organizations that serve the needy “in honor of” a family member as their gift and then sharing with one another why we chose to give to that specific person or people on their behalf.

5. Focus on the Greatest Gift of the Season – Yes, Jesus is the Great Gift of Christmas and He truly is “The Reason for the Season.” So let’s focus on Him and talk with our friends and family about how God becoming flesh, living and dying so that we might receive eternal life is the greatest gift of all.

What are some things you have done to make the Christmas season more meaningful for your family? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!