We went shopping last week – not on purpose. It started out as a quick family run to the grocery but turned into a trip to the Apple store across the parking lot because I (Leslie) needed a case for my well worn iPhone.
“Look at how thin this new iPad is,” Les said with all the excitement of a little boy.
“It’s nice,” I replied, all the while thinking it looked exactly like the one he already owns. But was he giving me a hint? The one he has was brand new just a little over a year ago. He wouldn’t need another one already, would he?
“Wow! Look at how sleek these new screens are,” Les said as he pointed me in another direction and began to explain something about pixels until my eyes glazed over.
“Pretty,” I said.
I know it wasn’t the response he was looking for. But it was the best I could utter because of another conversation going on inside my head: Does he want this new pixel screen thing for Christmas? How much are they, anyway? Should I ask him flat out, or does he want to be surprised? Well, he only wants to be surprised if it’s exactly what he wants. I wonder what their return policy is here? And what do electronics have to do with the Baby Jesus?
Truth be told, buying something for my husband at Christmas is often stressful. And after all these years of marriage I’m pretty sure he’s feeling the same way about getting something for me, too. “Gifts” are not a big “love language” for either one of us, but you can’t help but feel pressure to find the perfect gift this time of year. And even if you do, you can still be surprised by a look on your spouse’s face that’s less-than-enthusiastic. Like the time I gave Les a set of luggage – what was I thinking?
So let me tell you what we decided to do in the gift department for each other this Christmas, as we do our best to remember the “reason for the season.” We’re sticking to a budget, focusing mostly on our boys under the tree, and giving up mind reading and catalog surfing. Instead, we both decided to give each other an experience rather than a thing, like golf clubs or clothes.
That’s our deal. We both want to give something we can look forward to enjoying – together. I don’t know what he’s giving me, and I’m still working on my experience. But we’ve decided to invest in what we both know the other would enjoy and wrap it up in whatever form we can and with as much thought as possible and put it under the tree. In short, we’re giving each other quality time together. And both of us can’t wait to see what we find from each other under the tree this Christmas. I have a feeling it will be perfect.
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I love this idea! Would also love to read some examples. My husband and I also share the love-language of quality time and not the gifting language. And this is our first Christmas since being married in May. Besides another camouflage t-shirt or flashlight, I don’t have any good gift ideas for him.
Your devotionals are a big blessing to me and I often share them with him, as well!
God bless you!
Jenn: First of all, congratulations on your new marriage and your first Christmas as a married couple. This is such a fun and meaningful time to begin thinking about traditions that the two of you will share for a lifetime. Second, thanks for your kind words about our devotions. So glad you find them helpful. We love hearing from you! And merry Christmas!