A few months before Christmas I happened upon this post. Ever since, I’ve been excited about Christmas in our house and excited by the way that this simple guideline would help us keep the holiday simple and meaningful.

Gift giving has always been the most stressful part of the holiday for me. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love giving, I love making, but it has never been that simple. I have always found myself filled with doubt. Will they like it? Is it enough?

It’s the second part that really bothers me. The way the culture of gift giving seems to have changed. Instead of being about generosity, selflessly giving, without expectation, it seems that it is more about measuring up. And, in many ways I never have.

Well, now with the babe celebrating his first Christmas, I didn’t want to perpetuate that cycle in him and in our home. So, we decided to give the want.need.wear.read a try.

Something he wants – A plush alphabet for him to chew on.

Something he needs – A little green potty ready when he is.

Something to wear – A sweater of my own designing, knit with handspun.

Something to read – A mama-made book, a la Brown Bear, with all of his family members.

I did the same four categories with Aaron, and for both of them it seemed to be a hit. For me, it made everything so simple. Just what I was looking for. The best thing about it all, it made answering the question, is it enough, so easy. Yes. There is a want, need, wear and read. It is enough.