It’s hard to believe another Christmas has passed already. And I must say, this Christmas was one of the best we’ve ever had. Going into the holiday season, I was a little apprehensive as to how it would turn out. Since we’ve had a tough year financially, I knew we couldn’t go overboard on the gift giving.
It turns out I had nothing to worry about. We headed off for our church’s Christmas Eve service and spent the evening worshiping God and remembering why it is we celebrate Christmas in the first place. My husband convinced me to bring my old flute out of the closet, and I enjoyed playing O Holy Night with some other instrumentalists from church. After my daughter told me I was the best flute player she knew, I’ve determined that I must play more often (though I do think she’s a little biased).
Christmas morning we woke up (rather the kids woke us up), and we opened our presents. Despite the fact that my son didn’t get a Wii, there was no complaining. I firmly believe that children enjoy happy times with their families more than they enjoy expensive gifts. And this Christmas proved that, in my mind. My children got along all day, and they enjoyed playing with their new toys. They weren’t as overwhelmed as they’ve been in the past, when we could afford to give them more. I’m definitely going to remember this next Christmas, no matter what our financial situation looks like. And I really like the fact that our gifts are paid for. We don’t have any extra credit card bills to look forward to in January.
We had a nice visit with my mom, when she came over for a simple Christmas dinner. And late yesterday afternoon, our perfect Christmas was topped off with some light snowfall, making this my first white Christmas ever. It felt like God was smiling down on us, reminding us to forget material things and focus on what’s important….our faith, our family, and the many ways we are blessed. And I do feel so very blessed.
I’ll leave you with a picture of our front yard from yesterday evening. And as you look at the snow, remember that God loves you with a pure and holy love, just because you’re you. I hope you all had a blessed Christmas.
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Congrats on doing so well this Christmas. It really does make a difference in your enjoyment when you know that you can afford all you have. It is all such a pleasure to know how little our kids really do need/care about the material stuff. Happy Holidays!
Great story Lynnae…I am SO JEALOUS of your snow!
I’m holding out on the Wii myself. Not only is it a big money drain, but also a huge time drain as well. I wouldn’t have the time to play it.
And then once you get a Wii, the next thing you’ll want is a newer TV to play the games on.
It’s better not to get into the whole thing. And anyway, all these gadgets go for half-price a few years from now.
No Wii? Santa didn’t bring us one either. :)
I’m glad you had a nice Christmas! If we focus on the commercialism, there is no way Christmas won’t be depressing. You have a great perspective.
Your son looks very happy! It’s sad that some people don’t realize that frugal doesn’t have to mean depressing or stingy.
We had a decidedly frugal Christmas–just about every gift was thrifted or something we received free and the kids were THRILLED. My husband was thrilled that I did not go overboard with the spending.
What a great story!
The snow looks beautiful! We were wishing for a white Christmas, but did not receive one this year, glad to see you did!
Take Care
LJ
Your families’ christmas sounds like my families’. There was no Wii delivered, and the 10yo son did not complain. He was thrilled with the gifts he received. And I’m happy there will be no additional credit card bills next month since I’m still paying on last years! :(
I am so happy to read that this was one of your best Christmases, despite (because of?) your financial hardships. It’s definitely NOT about the presents :)
@glblguy – No need to be jealous any longer. The snow is almost gone, though I’ve heard we might get a little more tomorrow. I’ll bet we just get rain though.
I’m glad to hear that many of you had frugal, happy Christmases also! Sometimes the simple things are the best!
I have a Wii and I like it. That being said, I wouldn’t go through the bother of trying to hunt one down or paying above sticker price. Just not worth it.
The one thing that is true is that your kids will take their cues from you. If you have a simple Christmas, but genuinely can show your kids you can have a great time without expensive gifts, you children will learn what is really important in life.
While it can be fun to spoil children, it soon becomes an expectation with them. You would have to continue to outdo yourself, and it is a race that you will eventually lose. I’m glad you had a wonderful Christmas without having to spend a fortune to do it.
I am so happy for your snow! :) What a great Christmas!
I completely disagree. It’s pretty sad when a family can’t even afford the $250 to get a Wii. It is not difficult to find one for regular price if you put in any effort at all. Furthermore, you do not need a tv, or even new games. Lastly, the family can play it together. I’ve played with my mother, and she never usually plays any games. I was at a Christmas gifts opening, and even though everyone seemed “very happy,” it was the Wii at the end that had by far the biggest reaction. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but some objects certainly help.