My beautiful Tewahedo Orthodox sister, do not feel pressured to go into debt for your children trying to keep up with the standards of social media when celebrating birthdays, Christmas, or special occasions.
The world constantly tells parents that love must be proven through extravagant decorations, expensive gifts, luxurious parties, and endless spending. But that is not what children truly carry in their hearts. Long after the decorations are taken down and the gifts are forgotten, they will remember the love they felt inside their home.
They will remember the warmth of sitting beside you during movie nights with popcorn. They will remember the laughter shared around the table, the prayers prayed together, the comforting hugs, the late-night conversations, and the moments when you truly listened to them. They will remember how you asked about their day, encouraged them, corrected them with love, and made them feel safe and valued. These are the things that shape a child’s heart far more than expensive celebrations ever could.
Scripture reminds us that a meaningful life is not built upon outward abundance:
“For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
— Luke 12:15 NKJV—
There is nothing shameful about keeping celebrations simple. A peaceful home filled with love is far more precious than an expensive celebration filled with financial strain. Children flourish most in homes where there is emotional warmth, spiritual guidance, stability, and genuine presence.
Raise them with prayer. Teach them kindness, gratitude, humility, and love for God from a young age. Sit with them. Speak with them. Laugh with them. Worship with them. Correct them gently and guide them in Christ. These are the treasures they will carry throughout their lives. That is what children truly remember.
My beautiful sister, your children need your presence. They do not need a mother exhausted by comparison and burdened by debt after every celebration. They need a mother whose heart is at peace, whose home carries love, and whose life reflects Christ.
Sometimes the most beautiful memories are the simplest ones: homemade food shared together, laughter echoing through the house, family prayer before cake is served, joyful conversations, and quiet evenings spent together. Those moments often become the memories children treasure most.
Always keep it simple. Protect your peace. Protect your home. Protect your family from unnecessary pressure. A joyful and loving household is worth far more than impressing people online.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6 NKJV—
Selam Seyoum