Sometime between the delayed start of school and stuffed Thanksgiving bellies, I think all of us realized that Christmas shopping would be different. In 2020, we’d need to be more frugal, consider shopping online, and expect delayed shipping. Personally, I’m not much for shopping from home, but with Santa all sanitized and stuck behind plexiglass, every deliveryman seems to sparkle.
It’ll be interesting to see what is trending under Christmas trees. Experts predict consumers will be looking for gifts to make homes cozy, tasty, and techie. In the past, my wish list included “experiences,” like day trips for the whole family to the zoo or hiking trails, or a weekend away with Wade in one of our favorite cities. Now, I just wish that was possible…and am asking for fuzzy socks, wooden spoons, and stacks of beautiful books (or E-books).
As a parent, I’ve searched and scrolled for meaningful gifts that could build relationships, create memories, and cut screen time. Meanwhile, the Christmas countdown for the boys includes keeping a firm count of wrapped presents, always noting whose boxes are bigger or if one has more.
I always wonder about the lasting effects of these different days. What ramifications are we yet to see from this invisible attack? Consumer preferences for this holiday season may have changed, but one thing remains the same. Christmas has never been about the gifts we give or receive. The reason for our celebration—our hope, our joy, our peace—He is constant and eternal.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
*Feature photo by Євгенія Височина on Unsplash
